A much-loved village pub could be demolished to make way for nine homes.
Everards brewery is looking to knock down The Lindens, in Mountsorrel, to make room for several large two and three-storey homes.
The company has applied to Charnwood Borough Council for planning permission to replace the pub with five four-bed and four three-bed properties.
Several residents and pub customers in the area are against the plans.
Robert Finch, 70, who lives near the pub and drinks there several times a week, said: "It is the only pub at this end of the village and many people that use it are elderly and won't be able to walk to any others.
"It would be such a shame to lose it. It is a beautiful pub and to just replace it with houses would be such a shame. Once it is gone, it is gone.
"I speak on behalf of many residents."
Four residents have also sent letters to the borough council's planners in a bid to persuade them to turn down the plans.
Sandra Powderly, of The Romans, wrote: "I feel that the village cannot cope with any more dwellings. It is already over-populated, the schools and doctors are struggling as it is.
"The Lindens is the only place at that end of the village for people to meet. It has provided my family with many a happy gathering.
"The Sunday lunch is the best in the village and would be sadly missed.
"The building is also a landmark for the village and I for one think it will be a great loss."
Lisa Sawdon, of Rockhill Drive, plays bingo and attends band nights at the pub.
She said: "I feel it is a local pub with strong links to the community.
"There will be one pub within walking distance. There are new houses appearing everywhere in Mountsorrel. I disagree with more houses being built in the village and not enough amenities."
However, Neil Asher, of Glebe Close, wrote in support of the plans.
"While the village is already short of community facilities, a small development such as this will not overburden them much more," he said.
"It is also on a brown field site, rather than wanting to encroach on the valuable greenbelt and separation areas that surround the village."
Mountsorrel Parish Council has also lodged an opposition letter, fearing the development would result in a loss of amenities.
A spokesman for Everards said the company was "committed to operating and investing in the pub estate" but that, in some cases, individual pubs were no longer viable.
He said: "In 2012 alone, we have completed a large number of investments, including significant developments at The Globe, in Leicester, and The Bull's Head, in Ratby.
"Everards also continues to invest in purchasing pubs and has acquired four pubs this year, three of which were closed and have been reopened following investment."
He said factors including the economic climate, changing social habits and high running costs had brought challenges and that, despite investment in the Lindens, it was no longer considered sustainable.
The spokesman continued: "Rather than allow such sites to deteriorate, we actively seek suitable alternative uses and that is why we have made a planning application for residential development.
"If the application is successful we will review the Lindens before considering a disposal of the site."
Residents have until the end of today to submit comments on the plans by calling 01509 634 771.
