The site has been closed to patrons for more than two years
The former Drake’s Cafe and Halfway House on the A386 near Tavistock(Image: Google Street View)
A former landmark pub and cafe on the A386 just outside of Tavistock could be converted into homes if West Devon District Council grants planning consent.
Drake’s Cafe and Halfway House and car park at Grenofen are being proposed for five properties.
A 17th century coaching inn, the Halfway House got its name because it sat exactly halfway between the Barbican in Plymouth and Launceston, the ancient capital of Cornwall.
It was later run as a cafe but closed in January 2024 due to retirement and viability concerns.
Planning agents for Hunts Renovations Ltd said two new builds would be situated on the car park and the cafe/pub would be converted into three homes.
The scheme has received some local objections with one saying the site falls within the Cornwall and West Devon UNESCO World Heritage Site and should be protected.
They said it represents “the sole potential asset for local social cohesion”.
“For local families, it is a vital safeguard against rural isolation. Furthermore, positioned directly on the Drake’s Trail active travel network, the venue is a vital piece of economic and recreational infrastructure for thousands of annual tourists, hikers, and cyclists.
“ Its loss fundamentally harms the setting of these heritage trails and the local visitor economy, violating the Tavistock Neighbourhood Plan”.
Eleven letters of objection have so far been submitted to the council and two in support.
A resident in support said: “Building houses on this site is a good idea. It’s an absolute eyesore at the moment. However I think two and three bedroom houses only are needed around here. You’d even do well to build two bedroom maisonettes . I’m also assuming the road will have a 30 mph limit.”
Cars can currently drive at 40mph on this road.
The public have until July 23 to submit their comments on the application.