The owner of a 17th Century Grade II-listed pub wants to pull it down to make way for six homes.

The King’s Head in Pulham St Mary has been closed since 2007, and ever since then has been the subject of a varied range of redevelopment applications by owner Graham Scott.

Mr Scott has presented evidence to the council that it is now not a viable business proposition to restore the pub. It is argued that this is a major justification for the bid to demolish it in favour of the homes.

The pub site is already the subject of an application last year by Mr Scott to build six homes on land to the rear which has been placed on hold by the applicant, but still with South Norfolk Council, the planning authority.

It would bring the total number of homes on the site to 12.

In a report prepared by valuers Christie and Co, sent to the council, it is estimated that it would cost £603,000 to restore the pub. After this money was spent, it estimates the pub would only be worth £200,000. In its current condition, the report states that the pub is effectively worthless. It also spoke of poor pub trading conditions.

The report said: “The property, despite its Grade II-listed status, should be demolished given all the limitations and structural issues associated with the fabric of the building.”

South Norfolk Council planners have already stated that they will recommend refusal on the initial application for six homes, and has said that the new plans for the site, “represents a fundamental departure from what has been applied for.”

In correspondence with solicitors acting for Mr Scott, senior planning officer Claire Curtis said she did not “consider that any additional information has been provided to change the recommendations of refusal” on the existing application for six homes.

The council has given a deadline of today for Mr Scott to either withdraw his existing application, and another relating to car parking, or for the council to proceed with coming to a final decision.