The future of a derelict village pub continues to hang in the balance as a long-running planning row rages on.
People living in Pulham St Mary have called on South Norfolk Council to block the demolition of the King's Head Inn for a fourth time.
Graham Scott, the landlord, has made several attempts over the last decade to see the Grade II listed building torn down to make way for housing, in a planning stalemate that has left him facing "virtual financial ruin".
His recent bids have caused increasing frustration among villagers, with some urging the council to put an end to the saga for good.
Clayton Hudson, South Norfolk councillor for Pulham St Mary, said: "I want to see these frivolous and pointless applications come to an end.
"Maybe the time has come for the council to use the legal mechanisms in its power to acquire the building and see it brought back into use."
South Norfolk Council has previously refused to purchase the historic building as it believes a new owner could make a success of the pub, which closed nearly two decades ago.
Mr Scott said the business had become "loss-making" and insists that turning the site into housing remains his only viable option.
His most recent failed bid to demolish the building was blocked by the authority two months ago due to there being "no clear and convincing justification" for the scheme.
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Nearly 1,000 people have signed a petition in protest against his latest efforts to knock the pub down.
However, another delayed application remains in the pipeline, meaning the battle is far from over.
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