THE Fox village pub in Stockton-on-the-Forest, near York, could reopen after it was sold to London Ebor Developments Plc.

The traditional village pub, which was closed at the end of last year, was sold by Spirit Pub Company through agents Colliers International.

London Ebor Developments Plc, which is based in York, is hoping to use some of the land to the rear of the pub for a small residential development and to find an operator to run the pub.

Leigh Parsons of Colliers International said: “It is always sad to see a village pub close so it is very pleasing to hope that after redevelopment the Fox will again welcome villagers. The high-level of interest underlines there is still a ready market for attractive properties in good areas.”

London Ebor Developments has applied to City of York Council for permission to demolish some of the pub’s outbuildings and build four three-bedroom houses, keeping a small parking area and beer garden.