A COUNTRY pub is set to be turned into luxury holiday accommodation, despite local opposition.

Conditional approval for the Blue Ball, at Triscombe, West Bagborough, has been given for the change of use.

The owner, Grant Fowler, will also be able to run the premises for "community use" and to include an ancillary bar.

The pub has been empty since February and Mr Fowler says he has been unable to find anyone prepared to take it on.

Since he brought the premises in 2008, three tenants have gone bankrupt; two experienced 'trading difficulties' and were unable to pay suppliers; another went into liquidation; and a seventh ran the business at a loss.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) has this week granted conditional permission for the change of use of the building in Cockercombe Road.

West Bagborough Parish Council objected to the proposal following protests from a number of people living in the area.

A statement from the parish council said: "Parishioners are asking why, when the pub has been successful for over 400 years, it has now failed completely over the past few years.

"Simply accepting the claims of the applicant is not right in their view.

"For example, there are claims, which the parish council cannot verify, that the rent charged to tenants was in excess of £50,000 per annum."

It added: "There is significant concern that the type of facility proposed, aimed at large groups of up to 16, attracts a different clientele, holiday accommodation in particular.

"Experience elsewhere in the parish of such groups shows that anti-social behaviour such as loud noise beyond midnight, fireworks and external lighting being used throughout the night are commonplace in such developments.

"In this location, which is currently very quiet and has no street lighting, it would be a huge invasion of the close neighbours' enjoyment of their properties.

"It is also a concern to those with animals and causes a significant amount of distress to livestock."

The Quantock Hills Area of Natural Beauty also lodged an objection, claiming the planned scheme would have "a high impact on the AONB".

Other objections received by SWT included claims that the Blue Ball had been run by "people without experience"; the owner had refused to sell despite receiving offers; and the property is "dilapidated".

READ MORE: Detailed plans for holiday lets at Blue Ball pub.