THE future of an ancient village hostelry is hanging in the balance as negotiations continue over its change of use.

The owner of the Carew Arms in Antony, Tremayne Carew-Pole, has put in an application to convert the pub. He says that the business has been struggling and that his intention is to convert it into holiday apartments.

But residents of Antony objected to the plan, and a petition was launched.

As a result, Mr Carew-Pole says he’s changed his planning application, with three of the four intended flats remaining, and the bar staying in place downstairs.

Its future, though, will depend on a willing person taking on the running of the business.

One person who wrote to Cornwall Council said that the pub ‘is the centre of the village social life’ now that the Post Office and the shop have gone.

Another who commented said: ‘The pub has been a big community meeting point and, until very recently, a thriving hub.

‘The quiz nights held there have raised funds to help all manner of good causes, including the purchase of a defibrillator, the Cornwall Air Ambulance and the village church.

‘The Carew Arms is used for bell ringers’ gatherings, clubs and events, providing social contact for myself and a lot of other people.’

Parish Councillor Peter Bulmer said that he had organised a meeting between Mr Carew-Pole and a potential tenant in the hopes of finding a solution.

But the two parties have yet to come to an agreement on an acceptable monthly rental fee, said Cllr Bulmer.

‘The present pub, previously known as the Ring O’ Bells and before that the Plasterers Arms, has been the hub of the community life since 1777,’ he said.

‘The five local residents who met with Mr Carew-Pole recently told him that the parishioners of Antony were not against the conversion of three of the apartments, but that they were against the pub being converted into a short-term let.’

In a statement, Tremayne Carew-Pole said: ‘The Carew Arms has struggled with viability for some years, both before and after being purchased by Antony Hospitality Holdings.

‘Having closed the pub at the start of lockdown, we have been exploring the options for its future, including the potential for four small holiday apartments.

‘Since submitting a change of use planning application, we have had a promising conversation with Parish Council members and others about an opportunity for keeping the bar area open.

‘We are currently in negotiation over the terms and are hopeful that the bar area of the Carew Arms can be re-opened.

‘This is our preferred outcome, but it needs to be on terms that are commercially viable for both Antony Hospitality Holdings and the new tenant.

‘In the meantime we are varying the current planning application to show three holiday apartments only (including the manager’s flat), with the bar remaining as such.’