PLANS have been lodged to convert a former pub in Northumberland into a three-bedroom home.
The Blue Bell Inn, located at 17 Mount Pleasant in West Mickley, closed in April 2025 following long-term economic difficulties and multiple failed tenancies.
The two-storey stone building has stood vacant since its closure.
"Conversion of the building into residential use represents the only realistic and sustainable means of securing its long-term future," said the applicant in the design and access statement on Northumberland County Council's (NCC) planning portal.
The proposed conversion involves reusing the existing building envelope, with minimal external alterations and all work staying within the structure’s current footprint.
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Hannah Thompson, director at BDN Ltd, who prepared the planning documents, said: "The scheme would not have a materially different impact on the visual integrity or character of the rural setting of West Mickley than the former public house use."
The building is not in a conservation area but sits within the Northumberland green belt.
The nearest heritage asset, St George's Church, is a Grade II-listed building located about 200 metres northeast of the site.
Access to the property is via Stonybank Lane, a hilly rural road off the A695.
Parking in front of the building is expected to remain available for future occupants.
The proposal follows NCC's pre-application advice, which indicated the scheme could be acceptable in principle, subject to planning justification and compliance with the development plan.
A key consideration is the loss of a public house in a rural community.
"The Blue Bell Inn has been actively marketed since July 2021 and has had three tenants during that time," documents read.
"There has been no sustained commercial interest, and the pub closed in April 2025."
The former pub had Asset of Community Value (ACV) status, but this expired in March 2026 and has not been renewed.
Policy INF 3 of the Northumberland Local Plan seeks to prevent the loss of pubs unless it can be shown that the use is no longer needed or viable.
The applicant argues this has been demonstrated.
Nearby drinking establishments include Mickley Social Club, around a 10-minute walk away, and several pubs in Prudhoe and Stocksfield.
The applicant also notes that residential conversion would support local services and contribute modestly to housing supply.
Ms Thompson added: "Conversion to residential use meets both national and local planning policy objectives in terms of sustainable development, the reuse of buildings, and avoiding long-term vacancy."
The plans remain open for public comment online - reference: 26/02048/FUL -until July 21.
