One of Suffolk’s most prominent pubs is up for sale - and it could be yours for £825,000.

The Magpie Inn in Stonham Parva, near Stowmarket, is passed by hundreds of cars every day and with its attention-grabbing archway is a memorable sight on the A140.

Although the pub has struggled in recent years, it is now on the market with what the owners hope is a tempting offer – planning permission for a 25-bedroom motel.

Andrew Brown, from Maxwell Brown estate agents, who are handling the sale, said the new reduced price – down from £950,000 – should entice prospective buyers.

“The pub is Grade-II listed and features the iconic gallows sign across the A140 which is owned by the pub,” he said.

“Apparently there are only about four of them in existence in the country and allegedly when it was first put up there was a cage with a live magpie which used to live there,” he said.

“It’s very well known – if you say to people it’s the one with the arch across the road they know straight away.

“It’s a shame to see it empty, it’s got great potential and it would be nice to see it back in use.”

The site is also now available, if desired, with three different plots: £325,000 for the pub, £275,000 for land earmarked for 10 log cabins and £225,000 for the motel land (all prices plus VAT). Or £825,000 for the entire site.

Planning permission for the both the motel and log cabins has been granted.

In January, when the application for the motel was heard, there were concerns it would create a “major visual impact” next to the pub.

In 2012, previous proposals for the motel were dismissed at a planning appeal.

But Mid Suffolk district councillors unanimously voted through the application earlier this year and believe it could boost the area’s economy.

Mr Brown added: “I am sure the village would like to see it back in use because when they lost the pub they lost the shop as well.

“What we need in this area is a good place to go and eat and not to cost the earth; a gastropub is not what is needed.”