Site to be revamped despite Bell Inn’s fears for the future
A revamp of an “eyesore” in the artisan quarter of Bath can goahead despite fears for the future of a pub famous for live music.
The Bell Inn was backed by 400 residents who opposed proposals to create offices, a cafe and two flats at the Abbey Kitchens site in Walcot Street.
Many voiced concerns that complaints from future occupants would threaten live music at the venue and, in turn, its commercial viability.
But Cllr Rob Appleyard said the decision should not revolve around what happens to the community-owned pub amid assurances that the noise impact would be mitigated.
Appealing to Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee on August 25, the Bell’s John Revell said: “In general we welcome this development. This site has been an eyesore on Walcot Street for too long.
“However, we’re opposed to its residential component because of concerns it has the potential to threaten the Bell’s continued existence. Those concerns are shared by the 406 other local residents who objected. We’ve done no campaigning on this issue.
“They represent a genuine and widespread unease in Walcot ward and beyond.
“The common theme is that if the residential element is allowed then noise complaints from occupants of
the flats may result in the council restricting the Bell’s operations, thus making the business commercially unviable and leading to its closure.
“There’s sadly plenty of precedent for this scenario, both locally and nationally.”
Officers recommended approval, citing the “agent of change” principle designed to protect existing music venues by placing the onus for mitigating the impact of noise on developers proposing a change of use.
Planning committee members were assured that the safeguarding
package was sufficient - the noise mitigation will be tested before any residents move into the flats, which will also be separated from the Bell by the office building, and there are controls on the pub’s licence.
An environmental health officer told members the measures “should do the job for us without having to take any action against the licence of the Bell”.
But Mr Revell cast doubt on the protection that would be afforded
to the pub and said future residents could still complain.
That position was echoed by Walcot’s Councillor Tom Davies who said: “None of us can be sure that as time passes and subjective opinions, particularly in relation to noise pollution, will not change.
“Conflicts could arise between future residents of the development and the Bell, thereby jeopardising the Bell and its future.”
The meeting heard that there were several live complaints about the Bell from residents of the Paragon.
Cllr Paul Crossley added: “Live music is one of the lifebloods of this country. They [venues] are seriously under threat. The last thing we need to do is put more challenging spaces next to them.
“If you put extra residents there you get extra complaints. At some point there will be too many for the Bell and they’ll give up the ghost and we’ll lose an important part of our culture.”
But Cllr Appleyard said the plans were a good fit for the space and anyone that moved into the flats would be aware of the Bell.
“This application shouldn’t revolve around what happens to the pub,” he said.
Representing the applicant, John White said the proximity to the Bell was specifically factored into the designs to ensure the flats have sufficient sound mitigations to ensure they are fit for purpose.
He said future buyers will need to sign a formal legal clause recognising the presence of the Bell and its functionality.
Members voted to approve the application by seven votes to two against, with one abstention.