A much-loved pub which shut down in January after the premises was sold to an unknown party could soon be operating as a place of worship.

The Jolly Woodman, on Littleworth Road, Burnham, closed its doors as a public house on Sunday, January 7 after trading since 1832.

It came as devastating news to many, with a full house turning out to send it off.

READ MORE: Staff and Burnham punters give tearful farewell to Jolly Woodman

After much speculation about the future of the site, Buckinghamshire Council received plans to turn the building into a place of worship on Wednesday, January 31.

GB SRS Brundavan, a registered temple and charity based in Chalvey, Slough, has submitted the plans.

On their website, there is an appeal for a new temple. It reads: "We are pleased to announce that GB SRSB is purchasing a permanent premise for Shri Raghavendra Swami Matha/Temple. Estimated cost to acquire the property is £675,000 and needs to be raised by end of June 2023."

The submitted plans include an outbuilding and single-storey extension following the demolition of an existing store and the change of use from a public house to a place of worship.

The extension will allow for a meditation hall to be added to the pub's side.

GB SRS Brundavan says: "The new temple will be located in a serene environment that will have a multi-faith function hall. Prayer and meditation hall, kitchen and dining hall and a green outdoor space most suited for religious and spiritual activities with ample car parking spaces."

Slough Observer:

In the application, it states: "The current public house was for sale due to lack of demand for this facility in the local community and has not been in much use for some time."

Currently, the Jolly Woodman comprises a detached two-storey building with a car park for approximately 30 vehicles. The land also includes a garden providing seating for approximately 134 people.

The applicant added: "Burnham Village and nearby Slough is one of the most ethnically diverse, culturally rich, and vibrant communities in Bucks and Berks, which is why it is the perfect location for a place of worship run by the charitable organisation."

By turning the Jolly Woodman into a place of worship they hope to "increase the physical and mental wellbeing of residents".

It has been revealed that two other interested parties enquired about taking over the Jolly Woodman, with one hoping to turn it into an Indian restaurant, however, they reportedly ceased communication with the estate agent.

Following previous talks between the council and the applicant, it is understood that the application will be accepted "subject to the total floor space being less than 50 per cent of the original built area and subject to the intensity of the proposed use in terms of potential users and vehicular movements, being similar to the current use as a public house".

The application can be viewed by using reference PL/24/0183/FA in the Buckinghamshire Council Planning portal. It is not yet known when the council will make a decision on the application.