THE STROUD MP has expressed her objections to plans which would see a popular pub near Stroud transform into a home. 

Villagers have been fighting to save their only pub from being lost forever after serving the community for nearly 170 years.

The much-loved Old Neighbourhood Inn at Chalford Hill in the heart of the Five Valleys closed unexpectedly nearly 18 months ago - sparking a campaign by locals to buy it for the community.

But the fight was stepped up last month after plans came to light to turn the pub, which opened in the 1850s, into a residential property.

Stroud News and Journal: Plans have been submitted to transform the Old Neighbourhood Inn into a private homeA change of use application was lodged with Stroud District Council last month to transform the venue in Midway, Chalford Hill into a house.

MP Siobhan Baillie has now written to the district council objecting to the change of use planning application. 

In her letter, Ms Baillie said: "As the MP for Stroud, I am proud to support the community campaigners who are working their socks off to try to save the old Neighbourhood Inn pub.

“The planning application would, of course, mean that this much-loved pub will be lost forever.

"I believe this is an exceptional situation that requires extremely careful consideration of the objections that have been communicated to the council. 

"I am very happy to continue to support the community in this regard too.

Stroud News and Journal: MP Siobhan Baillie with members of the community at the Old Neighbourhood Pub in Chalford Hill“I have supported its application for a government Community Ownership Fund bid and we have been successful with other such applications within the district. 

“As the planning officers know, Chalford is a special area with spirited people who are very much willing to get stuck in for our communities. 

“We should be seeking to build, grow and protect community assets for the benefit of all local people and to attract visitors.

“I know Stroud District council will consider all aspects of this application and I will continue to work with the community to raise awareness.”

Originally named the Mechanics Arms, the pub's quirky modern name given in the early 1990s comes from the nearby Old Neighbourhood road.

With its historic charm and large beer garden, the pub has been a popular gathering spot for generations of people.

See the plans on the SDC website.