The new owners of a pub in Flushing say they are "taking further advice" after concerns were raised over work being carried out.

William Speed and Tamara Costin took over the former Seven Stars pub in October and renamed it 'harbourhouse'. The pub had been known as the Seven Stars since the 1800s.

They immediately set to work removing the old fixtures and fittings. Many of which were given away free to local residents after being left outside.

However, work on demolishing structures within the building itself raised concerns with some local people who complained to the parish council.

They accused the new owners of not taking into account the fact that the pub was in an AONB and conservation area which meant it would need planning permission. 

Detractors claim the couple has already demolished the toilet block, the laundry room and a storage shed in the back yard and have started building one big building in the middle of the yard which, they claim, all needs planning permission.

Falmouth Packet: View across to Falmouth from the 'harbourhouse' FlushingView across to Falmouth from the 'harbourhouse' Flushing (Image: Supplied)

After the Packet raised these concerns with the pub's owners, co-owner Tamara issued a statement saying they would be taking advice on the matter.

"At a time when pubs across the country are unfortunately being forced to close down, we’re investing in every way in our property at harbourhouse in Flushing," she said.

"When we took the property over, the toilets were almost unusable with no hot water and no disabled facilities. As everything was inside, under a plastic, ‘corrugated’ roof, we were advised that we didn’t need planning permission for our upgrading of the toilet area.

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"However now we have removed the old roofing, we are aware that this situation may have changed. We are taking further advice and will submit a planning application as necessary.”

The new owners already run the acclaimed 'beachhouse' and 'schoolhouse' Devon. When they purchased the pub they said they were aiming for an opening date of early Spring 2023, with rooms following on thereafter.

They said they would ensure all the food and most of the drinks, apart from some wines and spirits, will be Cornish, with the pub remaining a great local drinking spot, whilst building a solid reputation as a destination dining location.