FURIOUS real ale fans are spluttering into their beer over plans to convert a village’s last surviving pub into a house.

The Grade II-listed Cock Inn on the A48 in Blakeney has served villagers and visitors for 200 years, but Steven Crick has now asked for permission to turn it into a dwelling.

Forest planners have been told there is “little proof” that the current owners had maximised its potential, though.

And the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has called for the pub, which has six ensuite rooms, to be declared a community asset in a bid to prevent it being lost to the village.

Group spokesman Alec Keene told planners: “I would like to object on behalf of Forest of Dean CAMRA, to the change of use of this public house. This is the last public house in the village and will be a great loss to the community.

“I have also been contacted by local residents who are concerned at its potential loss.

“Rather than being converted into housing, we believe that it should be considered as a community asset.”

Villager Andrew Gregory added: “This is now the last public house in the village and will be a massive loss to the community and importantly to the holiday trade in the area. This should be listed as a community asset.”

Christopher Fordham, who owns a holiday let, said: “This pub has been a part of the social fabric of this community for at least the last two centuries.

“This is the last public house in the village and under sound management should be a focal point for village life here.”

He told planners that the applicant had provided “little proof” that the pub’s potential had been maximised or was no longer viable.

And he pointed to the success of the White Hart at Broadoak and the Lyon Inn in Westbury, and said: “Under more professional management this pub could thrive.

“I believe losing the pub would be reason for many of our guests to look elsewhere for accommodation that is closer to public amenities.”

Forest Council conservation adviser David Haigh also expressed concerns over plans for internal renovations on the listed building.

The application says: “Whilst these premises have operated as a public house for many years, the ongoing trend towards the demise of rural drinking establishments has now rendered this establishment unviable to continue trading.

“To avoid this building becoming another empty/boarded eyesore within the Forest, it is believed that a single sympathetic conversion to a residential dwelling is the best way forward, so retaining this piece of our heritage for the future.”