AN EYESORE pub could soon be demolished and replaced by a £900,000 housing development.

Developers want to bring down The Travellers Rest in Cheadle after submitting a planning application to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council asking for permission to build 14 homes on the site.

Forsbrook-based Stubbrook Developments wants to build seven three-bedroom houses, three two-bedroom properties, and four one-bedroom flats in a development that could cost more than £900,000.

Bosses Ian Titterton and Mike Ward say they will use local firms to complete the work, which will create properties for first-time buyers and young families.

Mr Titterton, aged 42, from Foxt, said: "It's important to try to keep the younger people in Cheadle.

"I think there is a real need for accommodation such as apartments as they are ideal for first-time buyers.

"We are just waiting on permission now to start the project and, the minute we have that, we want to get started."

The pair bought the half-acre site in Ashbourne Road from Birmingham-based estate agent Fleurets in March after seeing off four other bidders.

While the developer would only disclose the sale value as being "six-figure", the pub had previously been marketed for £200,000.

Fleurets confirmed none of the bidders wanted to keep the building as a pub.

Mr Ward, aged 42, from Forsbrook, added: "There is a need for this type of housing in the area and we will work with the authority.

"I hope planning consent is granted so that we can begin work on the development."

Mr Titterton, who has overseen projects in Cheddleton and Kingsley Holt, said the developer is now making plans for nearby trees.

He added: "We believe there is a tree preservation order.

"There are about six there now, but we want to end up with around 18 when we have completed the work."

Cheadle town councillor Gary Bentley said welcomed the development.

He said: "The Travellers Rest hasn't been used for a while now and has become something of an eyesore.

"So for it to be replaced with housing is probably the best thing for it."

The pub, nicknamed The Ropewalk, has been closed for more than a year.

Residents living in nearby Ashbourne Road backed the development.

Graham Fowell, aged 70, said: "I have seen a copy of the plans and made sure people living around here have also had access.

"From the people that I have spoken to, I can say we are all 100 per cent behind it happening."

Neighbour Gill Sheldon, aged 63, added: "Whatever they want to do has to be better than what it is now."