RIGHT UP OUR ALLEY
Why pub boss is bowled over by flats scheme
Experienced local property developer Rengen Developments is proposing to build ten one-bedroom apartments suitable for first-time buyers, as well as a larger community room, fully accessible toilets and a new skittle alley on land adjacent to the Belvoir Castle pub on Lower Bristol Road, Bath. The existing pub would remain, with the new community facilities added to the rear.
The new development would retain the historic facade of the long narrow Victorian outbuilding, situated to the rear of the Belvoir Castle pub.
The air space above the retained facade would be developed to create the residential accommodation.
Claire Buhr, who has run the pub with Steve Birchall for five years, said the proposed changes would make the Belvoir Castle more accessible whilst securing its long-term future.
According to The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) 18 pubs are closing every week and the British Beer and Pub Association has said the number of pubs in the UK has fallen by 17% since 2000.
Claire said, “We have seen many changes to the pub trade during our tenure period, and we have had to change accordingly, which is why we opened the fish and chip shop.
“A new skittle alley and community room would be a fantastic addition and something our skittle players are keen to see.
“The current skittle alley is in poor condition, very difficult to play on, exceptionally awkward, and is also a long way from the main bar.
“For the older members of the teams, it can be a real struggle to get to.
“We do not want to lose the core values and traditions of our pub – our aim is to make it better and more practical to work with.
“We need to continue to move forward and modernise otherwise, regrettably, it is highly likely that there will be no pub in this location in the future.”
Claire and Steve have launched a petition in support of the redevelopment plans which is available for local people to sign in the Belvoir Castle.
Rengen Developments, a subsidiary of property business Iesis Group, has been involved with a number of high profile regeneration schemes in Bath. Their delivery portfolio includes the redevelopment of the Widcombe Social Club, the Labour Exchange and, most recently, the new headquarters for the City of Bath Sea Cadets on St John’s Road.
These revised proposals for the Belvoir Castle have recently been unveiled after an earlier planning application for the site by Rengen Developments was withdrawn.
The new proposals fully take into account detailed planning feedback, together with local community comments on the scheme.
Iestyn Lewis, the CEO of Rengen Developments, said: “This scheme for the Belvoir Castle will bring forward much-needed homes suited to first-time buyers in the city.
“Our legacy projects in the city together with these new proposals recognise the importance of maintaining community assets.
“Our updated scheme for this site ensures the long term future for the pub, provides a new community room for local people, and integrates a new skittle alley thus very much enhancing the overall facility.
“We hope the planners and local community will now get behind these proposals, so we can achieve a successful result for both the pub and local people.”
A planning application for the new scheme has been submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council and is available to view via www.bathnes.gov.uk by searching application number 18/02499/FUL.
❝ Our aim is to make the pub better and more practical to work with.
Claire Buhr