The only pub in Penparcau, which has been closed for five years, is being torn down this week as plans to build 14 homes on the site move forward.

The Tollgate Inn was closed in 2014 after Brains Brewery said that it was “no longer a viable business”, and was left to fall into disrepair.

It was put up for sale by the brewery for £350,000 in 2015.

Formal plans for a housing development at the site of the former pub were approved by Ceredigion County Council in March despite local opposition.

Wales & West Housing is developing 14 homes on the site - six flats, two bungalows and six houses – but opponents say it is “over-development” and will cause problems.

A consultation with nearby residents saw dozens of complaints over the “negative impact” it will have on the area.

The 14-home scheme was larger than the previous seven-home plan which had been mooted for the site.

Penparcau councillor Lloyd Edwards said that residents are “very unhappy” with the scheme and said that he was “annoyed”, “disappointed” and “upset” by the decision to grant permission.

Wales & West Housing said the site is “significantly under-utilised” and would meet a “pressing requirement to deliver affordable housing in Ceredigion”.

Work will begin on building the homes after the pub has been demolished.