A former pub on one of Somerset's busiest roads will be turned into housing in one of the first public decisions by the new council.

The Queen's Arms, which closed several years ago, lies on the A37 between Yeovil and Shepton Mallet, at the bottom of the steep and twisty Wraxall Hill.

Royanne Ltd. applied for permission to demolish the former pub and build seven homes in its place, following earlier attempts to redevelop the site in 2016 and 2018.

At its first public meeting in Shepton Mallet, Somerset Council's new planning committee east voted to approve the proposals, despite concerns about parking and the appearance of the new homes.

As part of the development, a new footpath and cycleway will be built along Wraxall Road, making it safer and easier to move between the A37 and the neighbouring village of Ditcheat.

Because the development consists of fewer then ten new homes, the Bournemouth-based developer is not legally bound to prevent any affordable housing within the site.

A spokesman for Pure Town Planning (representing the applicant) said: "The loss of the public house as a community facility was accepted as the former use was no longer viable and, due to its geographical location, was unlikely to generate sufficient customers to retain its opening as a viable business.

"The proposed development would cause no material harm to the amenities of neighbouring residential occupiers."

Councillor Helen Kay (Green, Frome East) said: "What I was struck by when I went down to this area is the facing stone on these buildings – it's all very similar.

"The person next door is making quite an effort to do up his property, and I'm very concerned that this facing stone should be very similar to make sure it will blend in."

Councillor Bente Height (Conservative, Shepton Mallet) said she was disappointed that attempts to revive the pub as a going concern had come to nought.

She said: "I am very sad to see this particular pub disappear – I spent many lovely evenings there. Even the pope has been there.

"I do not like tandem parking and I can see there is plenty of it there. That will always end in arguments, and you have done nothing to stop it."

Councillor Barry Clarke (Conservative, Mendip Central and East) raised concerned about the size of the proposed gardens within the new development.

He said: "I think in this day and age, when we're trying to be a bit more self-sufficient, we need to think about the size of the gardens. There's not enough space for the children to play – they'll end up playing in the car park."

Despite these reservations, the committee voted to approve the plans by a margin of nine votes to one, with two abstentions.