THE CROWN Centre in Tavistock will not be taken over by pub chain J D Wetherspoon after the deal fell through this week ? the Russell Street site could now be turned into a new luxury housing development instead.

Crown Centre owner Bob Jones said the stumbling block in negotiations had been the length of time it was taking to finalise a deal, leading him to now decide on a new vision for the site.

He said: ?We have pulled out of negotiations with them, and a planning application will be made this week to demolish the Crown Centre and construct 20 luxury apartments.

?We waited a considerable length of time, but in the end we were fed up with waiting.?

Mr Jones said he had been advised there was a need for this type of accommodation in Tavistock.

He said changes in the property market, combined with the length of time being taken to complete the deal since it was first announced in July, meant he had decided to pull out of negotiations.

The new development would include 20 one, two and three-bedroom apartments in a central location within the town. The plans have been drawn up by Tavistock architect Steve Whettem.

Mr Jones said preliminary discussions with West Devon Borough Council about the proposals had so far met with a positive response, and a planning application was to be submitted tomorrow (Friday).

Mr Jones said he thought the Crown Centre would probably remain open until next summer, when, if permission was granted, building work on the new apartments could begin.

Mr Jones said he still hoped there might be a chance to find another site to provide a facility in Tavistock for youngsters, but said any premises would have to be located out of town away from a residential area.

Eddie Gershon, spokesmen for Wetherspoon, confirmed Mr Jones had pulled out of negotiations, but said the pub chain was still keen to move into the town.

?We are still looking in Tavistock, there is nothing at the moment. This site has fallen by the wayside, but we are still looking in the town,? he said.