Housing Village pub to be converted into seven homes – and a micropub
A DISUSED village pub near Bristol is to be replaced with seven homes and a ‘micropub’ after councillors approved the plans, despite a public outcry.
The controversial proposals for the Fleur de Lis pub in Pucklechurch were permitted by South Gloucestershire Council.
Members of a planning committee waved them through with little debate despite dozens of objections from residents, the parish council and a local councillor.
Committee member Cllr Michael Bell said: “I do feel sad supporting the application, but, unfortunately, that’s the times we live in.
“Pubs are closing and the pandemic has closed more pubs and we are where we are.
“No one’s come forward to run it as a public house and the micropub is not a public house but it’s something where people can go.”
The Fleur de Lis dates from the early 19th century and lies in the heart of the historic village of Pucklechurch, not far from a Grade I listed church.
Owner UKS Group said the traditional pub was “non viable” and applied to turn it into a four-bedroom home and convert an old toilet block/function room into a micro pub.
It also submitted a second application to demolish the rear extension to the pub and build six threebedroom homes on the land.
Altogether, it promised 20 car parking spaces.
Nineteen residents objected to the plans to convert the pub, while the application to build six new homes received 54 objections and four comments in support.
Gail Boyle, chair of Pucklechurch Parish Council, told the committee there was not enough parking provided for the new homes, and their rooms and gardens were too small.
There was no evidence that a micropub would be successful, she added.
Boyd Valley councillor Steve Reade asked members to refuse both applications, saying the loss of a traditional public house was a “net loss to the community”.
But an agent for the applicant said micropubs can work in villages, as demonstrated by a “successful” example in Charfield, 12 miles to the north.
“The reality is, the [Fleur de Lis] pub has been struggling for a long time, mainly relying on wakes from funerals from the church,” he said.
The micropub will have no indoor seating but customers will be able to sit in the courtyard area, the meeting heard.
Officers recommended both proposals for approval, saying the applicant had proven the Fleur de Lis was not viable and its plans for the new homes overcame objections associated with previous applications.
members unanimously voted both applications through.
The applicant must contribute £10,000 towards a traffic regulation order requiring double yellow lines to be painted on the road to stop anyone parking directly outside.
The order must undergo a public consultation before it can be introduced.