PERMISSION has been sought to transform a vacant pub into an Indian restaurant.

An application has been submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council asking to convert the Deane Gate Inn on the B3400, right.

The applicant, FMR, based in Winchester, has asked to convert the former pub, which was originally a coaching house and has recorded historical associations with Jane Eyre, by erecting single and two-storey extensions.

The rear extension would be demolished, the roof replaced, chimney removed and a mezzanine floor created.

The application said: “The building has fallen into disrepair largely due to a lack of planned maintenance and the effects on the structure due to the age of the property.”

It said the two-storey roofs need fully recovering and an extension at the back has a collapsed roof and redundant internal accommodation.

The application, submitted by agents Boyce Associates, states that because of the “economic effects on the public house trade”, using the property for this purpose “would not be viable.”

It added: “It is also highly unlikely that the property would be purchased for conversion to a dwelling in view of the high level of traffic noise. The applicant has therefore purchased the property with a proposal to repair and extend the existing building to create a further “signature”, high-quality, Indian restaurant, retaining a “public house” facility for local residents and non-diners.”

The restaurant would be isolated from the roadway noise and located to the rear of the building.

This would require demolition of the rear toilet block to provide the main entrance from the car park.

The applicant would also look to recruit eight staff to live in the building.