THE future of a Tintern pub remains unclear after a decision on whether to turn it into two houses was deferred at a meeting on Tuesday.

The Cherry Tree Inn is at the centre of a debate between its owners, who want to change it into houses, and a group of residents who want it to re-open as a pub.

But both sides were left waiting for a decision on Tuesday when Monmouthshire council’s planning committee decided to defer a decision on the application made by the pub’s owners Stephen and Jill Pocock for a site visit to be carried out.

Mr and Mrs Pocock told the Argus how the pub, on the outskirts of the village, is not economically viable and said they have struggled to keep the business going financially for several years.

The couple said they had also failed to find a buyer for the pub since it was put up for sale in 2004.

But a group of residents and beer and cider consumer group Camra said the pub is vital to the community and that it should be sold to someone who will re-open it.

The Friends of the Cherry Tree launched a campaign to save the pub and recently submitted a 243-name petition to Monmouthshire council opposing the application for its change of use.

The application is due to be brought back before the committee on August 9.