Permission has been refused to convert a closed Cumbrian pub into a cafe or restaurant.

Planners said the proposal for a change of use of the former Centurion Inn at Walton, near Brampton, would have resulted in the loss of the only public house in the village.

The notice of refusal stated: “The public house is considered to have the potential to make a significant contribution to the social amenity of the local population and there are no other public houses within convenient access by public transport, cycling or walking.

“It is not accepted that a cafeteria/restaurant use would meet the community needs for a place to socialise, which is borne out by its listing as an asset of community value.”

It also said the application failed to demonstrate that the public house is no longer viable, nor that all options for its continued use had been fully explored.

Documents supporting the application said the plans would provide the community with a social meeting place which would serve food and drinks and that it was proposing an alternative community use, not the loss of such a thing. 

It said a cafe or restaurant would attract visitors, such as those walking and cycling along and around Hadrian’s Wall.

It’s the third application for a change of use submitted by the owner, Austen Davies, which has been refused.

Mr Davies opened The Centurion Inn in 2008 and five years later applied for retrospective planning permission for change of use to a dwelling. In 2014 he applied for change of use to a cafe/restaurant with upper floor accommodation.

Mr Davies declined to comment.

The Campaign for Real Ale believes the pub could be a sustainable rural enterprise.

Commenting on the application, the Solway Branch said: “It is in close proximity to the world-renowned Hadrian’s Wall long- distance path and would provide refreshments, toilet facilities and services for this additional clientele.

“In this section of the route, there are no amenities for walkers unless a major diversion is taken into Brampton.”

The decision comes about three months after Mr Davies was hit with an enforcement notice from Carlisle City Council, which understands the building has been used without planning consent as a dwelling for about three years.

In planning terms the pub, which is now registered as The Old Centurion, is still classed as a pub and no permission has been granted to use it as anything else. The notice gives a six-month compliance period to act before legal action would be taken but it was appealed by Mr Davies before he submitted the latest planning application.

A spokeswoman for Carlisle City Council said: “We are awaiting the outcome of the appeal.”

If the appeal is dismissed the compliance period will be six months from the date of the appeal decision.