A SOMERSET pub owner has launched an appeal after plans to demolish one of the last public houses in the area and convert it into housing were refused.
Somerset Council rejected plans to repurpose the Britannia Inn, Wells, into housing due to multiple reasons, including the fact that planning officers disagree that, in their assertions, no viable community use at the pub remains, as well as concerns over highway safety standards.
In a bid to reopen the pub, East Wells Community Benefit Society have raised almost £100,000 from its share offers and is involved in negotiations with a local benefactor who they are hopeful will make up the shortfall in the amount needed to buy and refurbish the pub.
READ MORE: Somerset: The Britannia Pub could be replaced with new homes
READ MORE: Plans to repurpose pub in Wells into housing refused
John Trotter, who is acting on behalf of the owner of the pub, Wellington Pub Company, has recently submitted an appeal against the refusal of a planning application for the change of use and partial demolition of the existing Britannia Inn on 66 Bath Road in the eastern part of Wells.
If approved, it would have seen the main pub building converted into a four-bedroom house, with two two-bed and two three-bed homes. These dwellings would face inward with rear gardens to each unit and parking provided.
Despite being closed since June 2021, due to the former management's decision not to renew a lease, the pub is listed as an Asset of Community Value, and it could reopen if purchased at its current market price of £300,000.
The East Wells Community Benefit Society (EWCBS) community share offer target is raising a minimum of £340k and a maximum of £458k, with share ownership available from £50 to £34,000. All funds received will be ring-fenced and refunded should the purchase not go ahead, the website states.
Meanwhile, an open share offer will be available for any new subscribers (minimum investment of £50) or any existing shareholders who wish to top-up their shareholding.
If the EWCBS fail to buy The Britannia site, all shareholders' money will be refunded in full. A Business Plan and Share Offer Prospectus, together with an application form, are available on the EWCBS website: www.savethebritanniainnwells.org
Should these negotiations prove successful, the group are keen to attract practical support from enthusiastic members of the community who can offer skills such as accountancy, legal, building, plumbing, electrics, plastering, roofing, decorating and landscaping.
You can find out more about the ongoing saga with the above pub via the Somerset Council planning portal via reference number: 2025/1762/FUL.
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