Plans to demolish former King’s Head in the centre of Pulham St Mary blocked for fourth time

The landlord of a derelict pub claims he is facing financial ruin after plans to demolish the building were blocked for a fourth time.

South Norfolk Council has refused an application to knock down the former King’s Head in the centre of Pulham St Mary.

Landlord Graham Scott has made several attempts over the last decade to tear down the Grade II-listed building in favour of housing.

He says the planning stalemate has left him facing virtual financial ruin.

The council, however, has insisted that the building could be brought back into use as a pub and said his latest application contained “no convincing justification” for tearing it down.

This marks a victory for local campaigners who launched a petition against the plans, which attracted nearly 1,000 supporters.

Sheila King, who started the appeal, said the demolition of the King’s Head would destroy a piece of history in the village.

“Our pub is a building that holds immense historical and community value for us and we want to see it retained and restored,” she said.

Clayton Hudson, South Norfolk councillor for Pulham St Mary, has called on the authority to purchase the building and put an end to the saga once and for all.

The council believes a new owner could make a success of the pub, which closed nearly two decades ago.

Mr Scott said the business had become “loss-making” and insists that turning the site into housing remains his only viable option.