The Cheddar Valley Inn in Wells is facing big changes — with one housing plan given the green light and another still hanging in the balance.

Councillors have approved proposals to knock down an outbuilding next to the pub and replace it with two three-bed homes complete with gardens and parking. Work could start soon after a planning inspector and Somerset Council accepted concerns over noise, flood risk and biodiversity had been dealt with.

But the pub itself may also be on the chopping block. A second application, lodged in February and validated in March, is still under consideration. That bid (reference 2025/0347/FUL) would see the Cheddar Valley Inn at 22 Tucker Street converted into two houses, with new landscaping and parking.

Heritage experts told planners the outbuilding was not a protected asset and said the two-storey homes would blend with surrounding properties. Ecology reports found no sign of bats or nesting birds, and new trees will be planted to boost biodiversity. A noise report insisted that acoustic fencing and upgraded glazing would protect new residents from pub and traffic noise, while phosphate credits have been bought to meet strict environmental rules.

Supporters of the approved scheme said it would tidy up a "stark" corner of the site and bring underused land back into use.

For now, builders can move ahead with the outbuilding plot — but the future of the Cheddar Valley Inn itself remains in doubt, with Somerset Council yet to rule on whether the pub will stay or go.