THE landlord of The Cricketers pub in Upper Hale Road has resigned after learning of plans to demolish the venue for housing.

A planning application has been submitted to Waverley Borough Council to turn the site into 12 detached homes.

According to agents of its owners, Halifax Property, the pub was "financially non-viable," because of a high level of competition in the area.

In its planning application report, it was claimed the venue had failed to be a commercial success despite considerable "investment and refurbishment".

The report also said it had no strong community value, as it did not have restaurant facilities, function room or affiliated sports teams.

They believed it did not have any architectural value which would warrant its retention.

Developers Dolphin Head have proposed four three-bedroom houses and eight two-bedroom houses to be built at the site.

The Cricketers landlord, Clive Court, who has been at the pub since last year, said it would be a "real loss to the community".

He added: "I was employed here last November to take over the business and am a bit miffed to be suddenly been told it's the end of the road."

A concerned Farnham resident added: "It is terrible to see old pubs go, we lost the Cricketers in Frensham recently because it was not doing trade.

"Now the Bat and Ball is also up for demolition, it is an unfortunate trend that small pubs are closing in favour of bigger chain venues."