An historic pub overlooked by the Severn Bridge is set to be converted into offices for a construction company.

The Old Ferry Inn, which reputedly has links with US rock musician Bob Dylan, was offered for sale through auction last summer but failed to sell.

Now Forest of Dean District Council has granted plans from Tidenham-based Certus Construction for its change of use to light industrial, storage and distribution.

The plans were given the go ahead despite concern from the Severn Area Rescue Association, which owns the lifeboat and rescue station next to the former pub, over it being able to maintain uninterrupted access at all times.

Local folklore has it that the 16-bedroom Old Ferry Inn at Beachley, which is almost underneath the suspension bridge and alongside the former Aust Ferry slipway, played host to the US musician during his most contentious ‘Judas Tour’.

Bob Dylan was famously pictured on the slipway at Aust on the front of his album ‘No Direction Home’ after a gig in Bristol in May 1966 on his way to perform in Cardiff.

The 25-year-old Dylan is rumoured to have looked in at The Old Ferry Inn, Beachley, on his way to the Cardiff concert, infamous for him switching from acoustic to electric guitar half way through the gig and sending folk purists into paroxysms.

The Old Ferry Inn, in Beachley, Gloucestershire, is set in 1.1 acres of land including a large car park and gardens. Before becoming an inn the building was a vicarage.

It was listed by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions in June with a guide price of between £260,000 and £300,000 but failed to sell.

It had previously been on the market for 18 months.

Forest of Dean District Council case officer Hannah Barry said in a report to the planning committee: "Certus is currently based in Tidenham and they undertake civil engineering works. Their current site is limited in size and they would like to increase their business space by converting the Old Ferry Inn to office which in turn will assist the company in growing and continuing its success."

Hannah Barry said in her report: "The pub has struggled for many years and efforts were made to increase its viability.

"The applicant has provided information that the building's use as a pub is no longer financially viable having been marekted since December 2016. During that time potential buyers felt it needed too much work to a viable and attractive pub and that the location wasn't right."

Certus currently employs 35 people, with seven office employees, as well as 55 sub contractors.