THE future of The Star Inn at Bentworth continues to perplex ‘Save our Star’ campaigners as a new twist in the saga has seen the property put up for rent.

In March, residents put their weight behind a campaign to save the pub after a planning application was submitted to East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) in the name of Waller Energy Ltd of Wandsworth to turn it into four two-bed houses, and a one-bed flat over a village shop (with post office counter).

Of traditional appearance built around 1834, and prominently located within the heart of the village conservation area, The Star has been described by district council conservation officer Richard Whittington as a “non-designated heritage asset”.

Having been named ‘Pub as Village Hub’ alongside its sister pub The Sun in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Village of the Year 2014 competition, the community has criticised a lack of investment in what had for many years had been the village local.

They are angry over what they perceive as a decision by the owner to run down the pub and, having chosen to close it in 2015, attempting to sell it as a going concern, but with no reflection in the price, they claim, for repair work - effectively knocking out an attempt by the parish council to secure the inn as a community asset.

It came as a blow, therefore, when Christies & Co announced the sale to experienced developers Paul Williams, Peter Moys and Ben Williams, who planned to convert the property into residential housing and a community space.

However, commenting on the planning application, which attracted 111 letters of objection from the public, together with strong objections from Bentworth Parish Council, Mr Whittington was clear that, in his opinion, the proposals were “poor and do not respect the existing building or reflect the context of the application site”.

“Insufficient regard has been afforded by the proposals to the sensitivity of the site and its prominence within a designated conservation area, close to statutorily listed buildings,” Mr Whittington said.

“The scheme would have a detrimental impact on the conservation area and thus falls far short of the statutory requirement to conserve or enhance and does not accord with the local and national polices.”

And for those reasons he has recommended refusal. It is yet to be seen, therefore, if the application still comes to committee.

In a final twist, as flagged up by Save our Star campaigners, The Star Inn is now being advertised for rent on rightmove.com as an unfurnished, three-bed detached house.

Described as being in need of “a little tender loving care” the owner is looking for someone who would like “a bit of a project” and who would like to live there for two years as a caretaker/security guard.

Aware of a group of local folk who would dearly like to buy and run The Star as a community pub but had their offer rejected, campaigner Steve Woods said “The Star escapade seems to get stranger by the day!”