THE White Hart in Okehampton could remain empty for several months after JD Wetherspoon has announced the pub is not on the current schedule for development.

The pub chain struck a deal to take over the iconic pub last year after several months of discussions and negotiations. Plans submitted by the pub franchise include the construction of a new extension covering the existing rear courtyard and the creation of a new beer garden.

Since the previous owners stopped trading, the building has stood empty. Several rumours have tried to explain why work has yet to begin on the pub.

However, JD Wetherspoon has announced that while it will become a Wetherspoon’s pub, the White Hart is not currently on the schedule for development.

A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon said: ‘JD Wetherspoon has planning and licensing permission for the site and could in effect begin development work. However, the company has numerous sites ready to be developed into pubs and Okehampton is not on the schedule at the moment.

‘It will definitely be developed into a Wetherspoon pub, but at present we are unable to confirm any on-site or opening date.’

Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade contacted JD Wetherspoon and spoke to development support manager Daniel Warner about the project.

Chamber of trade chairman Donna Tombs said: ‘We were told nothing is holding up the project and the rumours swirling around about dead bodies or water courses under the pub are not true. The White Hart has apparently been prepared for work to begin, with upgraded power and asbestos having been removed. They told us they are waiting for budget approval.

‘We were hoping that the White Hart would be included in the next round of developments due in November or December. Obviously the news that it is not on the development schedule is not ideal. We contacted Wetherspoons because we have two pubs stood empty slap bang in the middle of town at the traffic lights. The White Hart looks okay at the moment but it is still a shell. We just hope development can start as soon as possible.’