A PUB has been given the go-ahead to create seven holiday apartments to ensure its long-term viability and jobs in the market town of Stratton.

The Tree Inn, on Fore Street, a former manor house which dates to the 13th century, is Grade II listed and one of Cornwall’s oldest inns.

It has been given the go-ahead to extend, alter and improve the buildings and to reconfigure the central yard to create guest bedrooms and holiday apartments.

Simon Floyd and his partner started trading from the pub in June 2017 when it was reopened and have already refurbished much of it.

But, according to the planning statement, it has become obvious that in the off-season there is not enough trade to justify the model he had staffed for.

The statement claimed that three enterprises had failed in the last five years because the accommodation offering, as a proportion of overall trade, was no more than ten per cent. To ensure the business prospers, Mr Floyd aims to provide ensuite accommodation for the six bed and breakfast rooms and offer seven higher value holiday apartments suited to weekly lets.

This increase in trade will also benefit the pub and restaurant and other local businesses.