PUBLICANS have been given planning approval to build a bungalow near to their pub, following strong support from the community.

Norman and Janet Whittall have run The Three Horseshoes in Little Cowarne, near Bromyard, since 1989.

Keen to keep the pub going, they want their son to move into the accommodation above the pub and to build a bungalow on a paddock next to the pub which they could move in to.

This would allow the couple to semi-retire and their son, who is a chef, to manage the pub.

Mrs Whittall told Herefordshire Council's planning committee there was a petition of 130 signatures in support of the application.

She said: "We want the pub to continue serving the local community as it has done since 1840. It is the only place in the village for people to meet, helping to make a vibrant community."

Councillors agreed to approve the plans, but said they would like to see the new property tied in with the pub so they can only be sold together.