Plans for two homes in the grounds of Hilperton pub The Lion and Fiddle have been submitted to Wiltshire Council.

Also included would be alterations and extensions to the pub house to create four new letting rooms and two detached houses within the grounds.

The application says that the owners have for some time “just about kept their heads above water”, but feel it necessary to explore other avenues of income and investment.

An application was made for alterations and extensions to the public house, as well as the erection of two detached dwellings in the grounds, in May last year, but it was withdrawn after it was decided more information was needed.

The new application adds that trading figures have dropped since last year and that the business will now be “orientated towards providing hotel accommodation only”, with nine rooms, guest sitting room, kitchen and dining room.

However, Hilperton Parish Council has objected to the plans on several grounds, including the “loss of the public house as an amenity”.

The consultation on the application finished yesterday, with a decision expected to be made by Wiltshire Council on October 23.