PLANS to turn The Old Inn in Upper Minety into a house have been rejected by North Wiltshire District Council.

An application had been made to convert the Grade II listed building and a separate building, which was used as a skittle alley, into a residential unit.

At a meeting of the district council's area planning committee in Purton village hall, the application was turned down.

Adrian Read, of Minety Parish Council, said the conversion of the inn would mean the loss of another amenity in the village. The village shop and post office have closed over past years.

"In olden days the inn was used a lot, but in recent years usage has dwindled," said Coun Read.

Coun Pat Sears, who represents the Malmesbury area on the district council, said there was a buyer willing to take on the inn. "There are people in Minety who are willing to buy this and so it would be a great pity if it were refused," said Coun Sears.

The two-storey inn has attics dating back to the 17th century. It has belonged to the current owners since 1968.

A pressure group called Save the Old Inn, supported by 100 villagers, had objected to the change of use.

It said it wanted the building preserved as a pub.