A HISTORIC hotel in the heart of Okehampton has been sold to J D Wetherspoon. As early as last September the chain said it had identified locations for new pubs across Devon, including Okehampton. The White Hart Hotel went on the market back in January and after several months of discussions and negotiations, a deal has been struck that will see the pub taken over by the Wetherspoon chain. Owners John and Wendy Watts, who also sold its sister hotel the Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor, sold the business so they can enjoy their retirement. Wetherspoon spokes-man Eddie Gershon said: 'We are as keen as ever to open our pub in Okehampton. 'We have exchanged on the property but are not due to complete on the deal until early 2015. We have applied to make changes to the pub and will await the outcome of the council's decision on this.' The White Hart is renowned as one of the longest established hotels in Devon and is a fine example of a 17th century coaching inn. The White Hart was part of The Trafalgar Way — the historic route used to carry dispatches overland from Falmouth to the Admiralty in London, with the news of the Battle of Trafalgar. This is commemorated by a plaque on the wall outside the hotel. The White Hart now has 19 rooms and remains popular with locals and visitors to the area. J D Wetherspoon will retain the hotel aspect of the business, much as it has decided to do with the development of Browns Hotel in Tavistock. The chair of Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade, Donna Tombs, welcomed the news as a potential boost for other businesses in the town. She said: 'I think Wetherspoons coming into Okehampton is, on the whole, a good thing. It is a well known national brand, and a popular brand. Hopefully it will help to bring people in to the town. It is also a good thing to ensure that the pub stays open and thriving. 'We are a town of independence, and of independent stores. That is something we want to retain. But to have the odd brand name like Wetherspoons here to help attract people into the town or keep them in the town can only be a good thing.'