A PUBLIC consultation will be held to decide the fate of a landmark city pub.

Regulars at the Elephant and Castle in Bursledon Road have fought for more than a year to save their drinking hole from being torn down and turned into housing.

But the pub has changed owners and the new development company also want to build houses on the site.

However, their plans are to leave the Elephant Castle as it is and build 19 houses around it.

Nigel Meek, a director of Highwood Contractors Ltd, based in Chandler's Ford, said a public consultation would be held in coming weeks to gauge public opinion.

He said: "The original plan by the former owners was for 52 houses on the site to replace the pub. We want to build 19 houses but leave the pub as it is and sell it on to new owners. We understand how important the Elephant and Castle is to the community."

Previous developers David Wilson Homes put in plans for 52 new homes but public uproar led the city council's planning committee to throw the scheme out.

Already facing a public backlash, Highwood Contractors have decided to lay their plans on the table.

Mr Meek said: "We have just made the announcement and there has already been some upset. We want people to look at our plans and decide what they think. If they like them then we will put in a planning application. If not, then we will need to think again.

"We have to achieve a balance with this development."

Ernie Rhodes, 73, has been drinking at the Elephant and Castle for the past 45 years and was one of the campaigners who fought to save it.

He said: "I live just opposite the pub and since my wife died I cannot sit at home and I enjoy the company at the pub. If it goes it will be a great loss to our community."

Developers are still talking with civic leaders about when best to hold the meeting.