Worth considering that the business has been sold on as a going concern less than a month ago. The idea that it will cease to be a pub seems relatively unlikely.

It is a really tight site and getting planning permission for residential would be fairly difficult when you consider all the associated issues. There are much better places for property developers to buy close the to station that could provide residential and retail opportunities (a skip yard, an ex-timber yard, and an MOT garage).

It is also possible that the three shops - From the Forest, Jolly Bee, and Shoe Repair Centre could be combined together into an excellent sized unit. The ground levels are different, but that wouldn't deter an estate agent or restaurant. It is a great location and you could imagine that rental value could be increased by combining these units.

But this is pure speculation. If I knew more I probably wouldn't say (but I don't).