Mou'chak Indian restaurant could be turned into homes

A former pub and restaurant that fell victim to the rerouting of the A46 could be converted into homes.

The Mou’chak Indian restaurant, East Stoke, formerly The Paunceforte Arms, could be converted into three homes under plans submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council.

It would be partly demolished, with two new homes built in its place, and the remainder of the property converted into a third home.

Owners Enterprise Inns tried to sell the property in 2012 after the Mou’chak Indian restaurant closed, but it could not find a buyer.

It was initially valued at £250,000 but there was no interest and its value gradually dropped by £100,000 until it was sold for £150,000 in February.

Property agents Banks Long said in the planning application the dualling of the A46 had been a mixed blessing for East Stoke.

“It has improved the residential amenity for people living in the village by significantly reducing traffic through the village, but at the same time has affected the commercial viability of the subject property for both a continuation of the existing restaurant use and also conversion back into a public house.”

Mr Mike Elliot, clerk to East Stoke with Thorpe Parish Council, said councillors had expected the building would be converted into homes.

“I would think the council will be quite happy because they would rather have the site looking nice than falling into total disrepair, because if it’s not used for a very long time it could do,” he said.

Newark and Sherwood District Council will have the final say on the application.