THE CONVERSION of a former pub will improve the look and viability of the town centre, says Liskeard Town Council.

The Fountain Hotel has stood empty for around seven years and has fallen into disrepair.

Now owner Russell Peake hopes to convert the Grade II Listed building into three flats.

The Fountain, which is thought to date to the mid 19th Century, was once a thriving public house.

Mr Peake’s original intention was to reopen the property as a pub, but his agent, Scott and Company, say that this plan is now ‘unviable’.

An outbreak of dry rot discovered in 2016 had caused significant structural damage within the building.

And the owner feels that changes in people’s lifestyles and to the infrastructure of Liskeard would mean that a pub would not be financially sustainable.

A planning application submitted to Cornwall Council seeks to rectify unauthorised works carried out after the dry rot discovery. The proposal includes the demolition of modern outbuildings connected to the original property, and the conversion of the building into three apartments.

The front facade of the building will remain intact.

During a planning meeting of Liskeard Town Council on Tuesday (October 24), members noted that the Fountain Hotel site had been identified by the Liskeard Neihjbourhood Plan as a brownfield site for possible future residential use.

A council spokesperson said: ‘The committee noted the building had been empty and deteriorating for a considerable time, and welcomed investment to prevent further decline of this listed building.

‘Renovation of the front façade would improve the street scene, and residential use would enhance the viability and vitality of the town centre.’