Exeter-based Heavitree Brewery has said there is likely to be 'strong market interest' in one of its Newton Abbot pubs the firm said was forced to close through a lack of trade.

Heavitree called last orders at The Courtenay Arms, Queen Street, last year and the building has been empty since.

Now it wants to convert the ground floor into three shops, create two new apartments and give the existing flats a makeover.

It has applied to Teignbridge Council for planning permission.

In its application the firm said the business had 'proven to be un-viable for some time'.

It added: 'It is immediately opposite a large Wetherspoons.

'Heavitree Brewery Plc would much prefer to keep its pubs trading but, despite their best efforts, this particular outlet cannot be sustained.'

Heavitree now be-lieves the best way forward is to exploit the former pub's location on one of the town's premier shopping streets.

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