A VILLAGE pub that closed its doors earlier in the year will seemingly not reopen to the public following new plans being submitted.

The longstanding Forester pub at Lower Street in Donhead St Andrew, just five miles near Shaftesbury, closed in February. New plans would see it converted into a family home.

Under the plans the detached 17th-century pub would see its ground floor converted, with the bar and kitchen removed and the space reconfigured into a lounge, dining room and kitchen.

It is likely the plan would see a three-to-four bed house created, with the first floor spaces utilised as a bedroom, with the two en-suite rooms also to form part of the bedroom layout.

“The existing beer garden and patio will become private amenity space for the occupants,” the plans said.

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“The existing car park at the rear will provide ample parking and turning space for domestic vehicles, and could be partially landscaped to improve the garden setting.”

The redacted plans reveal that the former pub incurred losses every year, even in its “best” year. 2024 to 25 saw the pub’s revenue decline by 35%.

The planning document said: “By converting the building, the proposal will bring a vacant building back into productive use and prevent dereliction.

“It is noted that the cessation of the pub use will eliminate associated late-night activity, noise, and traffic from the site, potentially resulting in a quieter environment for neighbouring residents.”

Vehicle access will continue to be off Lower Street.

To view and comment on the plans, visit the planning section of Wiltshire Council’s website and search reference PL/2025/05799.