Permission lapses to convert Manor Hotel into care home

But three years later the owners have this month let the permission lapse, without ever starting the changes.

The matter dates back to the start of 2014, when an appeal was made over the fact the planners had spent eight months considering the application, without making a decision.

Despite worries over the loss of visitors' beds and the rural siting of the development, an appeal panel ruled in the owners' favour and granted permission in April 2014.

But since then the building has continued as a lodging house.

Politician and advocate Peter Ferbrache argued the 2014 case.

His family is part-owner of the site.

'And it was not picking up within the three years of the planning permission. We may seek to go back into talks in the future.'

Now the matter has lapsed, the owners will have to reapply.