A Calderdale countryside pub visited by TV stars for a Channel 4 show could be used for housing.

An application has been submitted to Calderdale Council for the change of use of the Hare and Hounds, on Lane Ends Lane in Old Town near Hebden Bridge, into a house.

Papers submitted with the bid say the premises are not financially viable as a pub, despite “sustained and innovative efforts to grow the business over a five-year period”.

A viability assessment says brewery Timothy Taylor, which owns the pub, reports that the Hare and Hounds’ turnover was around a quarter of the level of trade needed for it to remain viable, selling only one barrel or 72 pints a week on average over the last 24 months.

Alexander Armstrong and James May were at The Hare and Hounds in Hebden Bridge filming for their show 'Perfect Pub Walks' in April 2025.

placeholder image — Alexander Armstrong and James May were at The Hare and Hounds in Hebden Bridge filming for their show 'Perfect Pub Walks' in April 2025.

"Marketing has been undertaken by Timothy Taylors, at a fair market value, without attracting a suitable pub operator prior to sale,” adds the assessment.

"Alternative pubs and community facilities are available within Hebden Bridge and the Old Town Wadsworth area.

"Alternatives for the building’s use have been explored and compared to the Calderdale Council planning policies.”

It adds that the associated acre of land attached to the building could be dedicated to natural flood management and biodiversity, providing “significant community benefit”.

It argues residential conversion represents “the most sustainable and policy-compliant re-use”.

The Hare and Hounds shut in September after going up for sale in July.

Posting at the time of closure, the pub team posted: “The Hare and Hounds team posted: “The truth is, the pub industry has been – and continues to be – absolutely hammered.

"Costs have soared, trade has suffered, and yet the government still insists on applying a crippling 20 per cent VAT rate on pubs and hospitality, while supermarkets pay as little as two to five per cent.

"We’re proud of what we’ve built here and deeply grateful for every person who’s walked through our doors.

"But without change, the country’s heritage – and the beating heart of so many towns and villages – will vanish.”

The pub was visited by stars Alexander Armstrong and James May in 2025 for their show Perfect Pub Walks.

People have until February 3 to comment on the application.