PLANS to convert a former Frome pub into offices for a period of three years have been given the go-ahead.

The owner of the former Packhorse Inn, Mr Webb, submitted plans to Somerset Council in September to change the use of the former public house found in Christchurch Street West into offices to meet his “urgent need for office space in a central, convenient location.”

In the application, Brimble Lea on behalf of the owner Mr Webb, said the move would only be temporary “in the hope there will be demand for a new public house in future.”

The plans were approved by Somerset Council yesterday (November 6).

READ MORE: Frome pub could become offices – until demand returns

In support of the plans, the application states there are 22 licensed drinking establishments with 1,000 metres of the Packhorse site.

“There is no demand for another public house in this location whereas the applicant has an urgent need to relocate the offices for his business, Connor Construction (South West) Ltd, currently based at Crees Quarry, Holwell,” the application added.

Mr Webb bought the Grade II listed site from auction in 2017.

A staff car park is also planned for the site – but the application says this would less of a knock-on affect for neighbours compared to a pub.