Pub gets go ahead to be turned into a home

Easdale island’s Puffer pub is to be turned back to a home, writes Kathie Griffiths.

Listed building consent to convert the small bar area at the back of the restaurant and tearoom has now been granted by planning chiefs.

No objections were received by Easdale and Seil Community Council so no local representation was made, said CC convenor Zim Knight.

It is understood the front part of the popular venue will stay as a bistro restaurant and will be licensed, with its owners being able to live on site.

The Puffer used to be two former slate workers’ cottages which were extended and joined together, providing the tiny island and visitors with combined restaurant and bar facilities.

The application was for a partial change of use to allow the rear part of the premises, currently a small bar, to be converted into living space.

A report to the planning committee explained: ‘The rear part forms part of a terrace of four properties situated to the rear of the community hall.

‘Works involved to return the unit into residential use are minimal, comprising of the blocking up of the access into the front section of the premises and the installation of internal partitions to form a one bedroom cottage.

‘No changes to the existing external openings are proposed as part of the application with the only external works comprising the addition of a dummy chimney to the south west gable and the installation of a metal flue to the south east elevation of the property to serve a new solid fuel stove.

‘The partial change of use of the premises to allow the rear section to be utilised as a residential unit is considered to be acceptable with the works proposed having no adverse impact on the appearance or setting of the listed building consistent with the policies and guidance set out above.

‘In light of the above it is recommended that LBC is granted subject to the conditions.’