ACTION is being taken against the owner of a derelict ‘eyesore’ pub.

A spokesperson for the Forest Council said it is carrying out ongoing enforcement investigations at the former Kings Head pub site in Broad Street, Littledean.

Full permission was granted to owner Mr Badat, in 2012 to create five residential units.

But since then the expiry period has lapsed and, as a result, enforcement officers are looking at ways to make the owner to take action.

When asked for a comment Mr Badat said he did not wish to make a public statement.

Littledean Parish Council says it has ‘grave concerns’ about the safety of the derelict building and demands an update on its progress.

Parish clerk Vicky Ro­berts said: “Littledean Parish Council would like to know what the current condition of the Kings Head at Littledean is.

“As many people are probably aware the building has been an eyesore for many years and was sold in 2012 to Mr Badat, who has applied for and obtained planning permission on the building, but the parish council and parishioners are deeply saddened that this building remains in its current condition.

“The parish council has grave concerns over the internal condition of the building as this appears to be collapsing in places with rubble pushing against the window of what was previously the butcher’s shop. Concern is also expressed about the external condition of the building with regards to passers-by. These concerns have been reported to the Forest of Dean District Council planning department and our chairman (Henry Boughton) has spoken to Mr Badat.”

In August 2012 Mr Badat was granted permission to convert the pub into three two-bedroom houses and two one-bedroom flats, however one of the conditions was work had to be completed by April 2014. A second application was submitted that year to demolish the butcher’s shop to make way for residential parking. In October 2014 a further application was submitted to allow for alteration to the roof.

In February 2016 a revised description of the plans was granted by the planning department.

It’s understood the dates to complete the work granted in 2014 have been overridden by enforcement investigations.

A spokesperson for the Forest of Dean District Council said: “The council has previously granted planning permission relating to the Kings Head, for change of use from a public house with two associated flats to create five residential units. However, we can confirm that there are currently ongoing enforcement investigations for this site. At this stage we are unable to comment further.”