The Bull Inn, in High Street, Cavendish, between Haverhill and Sudbury, could become home

A pub which has been closed for more than two years could be converted into a home.

James Collins, of TC15 Investments ltd, has sought permission from West Suffolk Council to transform The Bull Inn, in High Street, Cavendish, into a private home.

A planning statement said The Bull, which sold at auction in September, had been on the market for nearly three years and closed for more than two years.

There are two other pubs within easy walking distance and the village has about 560 residents, it said.

“Unfortunately these factors combine to lead to a situation where The Bull just isn’t viable as a pub anymore,” it said.

“It is a beautiful building and it is important that it has a purpose, the only option which is a change to a private home.”

The proposed use of the property would not require any changes to the outside of the building.

There would only be minimal changes inside such as the removal of the bar and a new kitchen added, as well as the replacement of bathrooms and a redecoration.

The planning statement said it was difficult to ‘prove’ the property was not economically viable.

“Accounts from the last tenant are not available but it would be fair to assume that if the business were viable it would still be operational,” it said.

“The property was marketed for rent for six months and there were no interested parties.

“It was available to purchase for nearly three years and no party would commit to purchase it, thus it can be deduced that no business operator could see an opportunity in which The Bull could operate in a way to be economically viable.”

With the pub closed for more than two years, any previous customers would now be using one of the other two very close by pubs, it said.

The statement said there simply wasn’t sufficient local demand for three pubs to be operating in such close proximity.

“Additionally these pubs also have restaurant food and café/coffee type offerings and offer accommodation, therefore it is difficult to see what The Bull could offer in order to increase profitability,” it said.

It added the property was likely originally constructed as a pub some time in the 1800’s.

Based on historical ordinance surveys, the earliest survey it shows up in was 1886.