THE oldest pub in England may be forced to close if permission is given for a housing development in Ruardean.

Landlord Mark Dew said he cannot believe the plan for 25 homes and seven flats on part of a former slag tip at the rear of The Malt Shovel looks like going through despite wide opposition.

"This will in effect increase the size of the village massively," said Mr Dew, adding that his historic property will have two and three storey homes looking right into the beer garden, car park and pub.

"I will close the pub if this goes ahead. I was thinking of boarding it up today," he said.

"There are nearly as many homes as there are in this entire end of the village. The local plan only allows for infil, one or two houses here and there, and nothing on this scale.

"The access is terrible and increased traffic will be bottlenecked into an already dangerous spot. There are hundreds of objections yet the parish and the county council seem to be taking no notice at all of the wishes of the village.

"They were always happy to disown the land when it flooded and water ran off the tip into my pub but now it has value they seem happy to claim it. I think it is quite outrageous."

He said the scheme would ruin the setting of the pub and create problems with nearby dwellings complaining of disturbance.

Planning officers are recommending consent for the scheme, by developers Cliveden Properties, when the Planning (Development Control) Committee meets this week.

Some 24 letters of objection are lodged broadly in accord with Mr Dew's views, including one from Councillor Andrew Gardiner which says there has been a lack of public consultation and the proposed building will affect the True Blue slag heap.

There is also a petition signed by 260 residents stating the scheme should not be allowed.

The Malt Shovel is believed to date back to 1110.