There are plans to convert a closed Hereford pub into housing for young adults coming out of care.

The Heart of Oak on Newtown Road has been closed since 2016.

But now Futures:hfd, a supported accommodation company, has brought forward new proposals for the site.

They believe the former pub can help provide safe, secure and supported living accommodation for young adults as they make the transition from juvenile care settings to independent living.

If approved, the premises will house up to eight young people, with the ground floor comprising of meeting space, internet bar, training kitchen and staff office.

Mark Haslam of Herefordshire CAMRA said about the application: “It’s a shame, but the Heart of Oak looks to have had its day.

“In its latter years of trading it was never busy.

“Therefore, providing the planners are content that efforts to market the premises as a pub business are deemed as sufficient to meet the relevant policy goals, then CAMRA believes a community reuse of the pub building represents a good outcome.

“However, we will be requesting the planners put in place conditions on any possible planning consent to ensure that we don’t end up with a block of flats via the back door.”

Residents have until June 10 to comment on the proposals which are expected to be considered by Herefordshire Council by July 9, 2020.