WEST Devon planners reluctantly gave permission for an 18th Century pub in Bridestowe to be converted into two private homes this week because the business was no longer viable.
Raymond Taylor, leaseholder of the Grade II listed Royal Oak, explained that since the village, with a population of 500, was bypassed for a second time seven years ago passing trade had totally diminished.
In the past five years, the public house had lost £10,000 per annum.
Mr Taylor said there were two pubs in the village within 500 yards of each other and the White Hart, which had been owned by the same family for many years, had 95 per cent of the local trade.
'I suffered a nervous breakdown a few years ago as a result of running this establishment,' he said. 'I am afraid it is another A30 corridor failure.'
The building with its impressive Georgian facade was refurbished ten years ago at a cost of £200,000.
Cllr John Hockridge said it was very sad that this old coaching inn on the old A30 was putting in an application for change of use.
'I am looking at it from a sentimental point of view but unfortunately nothing stays still and this village is probably the only one in England that has been bypassed twice,' he said.
Cllr Noel Cartwright reiterated his comments: 'There is not enough people there to support two pubs,' he said.
Planning officers recommended the application be granted because they said genuine efforts appeared to have been made over a considerable period to make it a success, without results.
Two letters of objection were received from local residents who were concerned the proposal could lead to the loss of character of the village.