Plan for flats drawn up after ‘no interest’ in pub
A popular Bath pub could be turned into flats due to “no interest” being shown in the business.
The Weston, on the corner of Newbridge Road, has been on the market for two years with no publican choosing to take it on.
On August 2, new plans to split it into eight apartments were sent to Bath and North East Somerset Council for consideration.
An application for listed building consent has also been lodged.
If the scheme is approved, the grade Ii-listed pub will become five one-bed and three two-bed flats, with 17 parking spaces outside.
A further 16 spaces would be created for bicycles, along with two charging points for electric vehicles.
Non-original parts of the building will be demolished and partitions added to divide it into self-contained homes.
The design and access statement by DKA architects on behalf of Southlea Investments Ltd said: “Since acquiring The Weston in 2019 the applicant has consistently tried to secure a tenant for the principal (ground) floor of the vacant Weston public house; the premises has been on the market for over two years.
“In that time there has been no interest either from a pub operator or tenant in continuing the use of the premises [as] a pub or for any associated use such as restaurant, retail or community use.
“The applicant is now seeking planning permission and listed building consent for the conversion of the grade Ii-listed former public house into eight self-contained apartments for the open market.”
There will be a pair of apartments in the old beer cellar, with extra windows to be installed, three flats on the ground floor, two on the first floor and one on the second floor.
Until recently, the pub’s upper levels have been occupied as an HMO (house in multiple occupation), but an application for this to continue was refused by the council last August.
A garden included in the plan aims to boost biodiversity, together with “timber planters” leading up to the front door of the complex.
Consultations went out on August 10, and people can comment on the application, reference 21/03690/FUL, at bathnes.gov.uk until September 17.