A boutique hotel could be created inside a historic pub according to the owner of two of Merton's historic landmarks.

Mitcham's dilapidated Burn Bullock pub and cricket pavilion have been a source of concern for heritage groups and residents since the pub closed in September 2009.

Now their owner, who does not want to be named, said a planning application for the London Road site's development will be submitted to Merton Council by the end of the month.

The father-of-three, speaking out about his vision for the sites for the first time to the Wimbledon Guardian, said it was too early to reveal the details but he is in negotiations with a developer and is keen to see the cricket pavilion upgraded and the pub turned into a boutique hotel.

He said: "I think the pub business is a bit difficult at the moment. I have had developers look at the pub but they don't have the budget. It's best if it's a small, maybe three-star boutique hotel.

"That would be good for the community and would bring in some jobs and maybe a cafe on the ground floor. If not, then maybe it could be developed into studio flats.

"The important thing is the building needs to come to life. If the planning application is successful then we are going to start work straight away."

The pub was added to the national Heritage at Risk Register last week following a campaign by Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage.

Maintained by English Heritage, the register records listed historic buildings at risk from being lost or irrevocably damaged.

The owner, who also runs the White Hart and Windmill pubs in Mitcham, has already submitted a planning application to refurbish the pub, after the council ordered him to bring it up to a safe standard.

He said a couple and their son are currently living in the pub rent-free as a security measure to deter squatters and trespassers.

Illegal car sales operating from the pub's car park were cleared two weeks ago, after the council ordered the salesmen off the site.

The owner declined to comment on whether he was in discussions with a housing association about developing the site - a suggestion circulated by Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh at a public meeting in September.

A keen cricket fan, the owner said he would like to see a new cricket pavilion built on the green so children using the club didn't have to cross a busy road to reach the pitch.

He said he would like the old cricket pavilion to become a museum or cafe, with better facilities at the site to attract more members.

He said: "Two very important things are to keep the cricket going and develop the pub itself. Our intentions are to keep both the things going.

"For the building to come back to life it needs income out of it, so we intend to have a proper developer that has deep pockets and can put money into Section 106 and I'm hoping that we can put that money into the cricket club and the building."

He said he will invite residents to discuss the plans at a consultation at the appropriate time.

How would you like to see the Burn Bullock and cricket pavilion site redeveloped?

Comment below, or email louisa.clarence@london.newsquest.co.uk.