A pub in Easton that closed in 2013 could be converted into a house of multiple occupation. So far the application for the Coach House has received one objection from the Campaign for Real Ale, which is backed by the local ward councillor.
If the bid is approved, the former pub on Stapleton Road will be converted for residential use with five additional bedrooms on the ground floor. The first floor already has five bedrooms.
Ground floor plans also include a proposal for an office space, three store rooms, a utility room, a living room, kitchen and a bathroom. The architect PG Housing Design, which submitted the plans on behalf of the owner, stated that the change of use will result in no loss to the community due to the pub being closed now for many years.
READ MORE: Former Three Blackbirds pub on Stapleton Road could become a hotel
In its objection, CAMRA points out that there is a lack of pubs in Stapleton Road, which it says would benefit from a 'well-run family-friendly public house'. It also questions the suitability of a HMO on the site and suggest that what the company is proposing is 'akin to a hostel'.
The Coach House is one of many pubs to close in Stapleton Road. CAMRA points out its objection that the Lebeqs Tavern and the Black Swan are now the only pubs left.
“Both fulfil a niche in the market, but neither are the ideal place to go for a quiet drink or a family meal. CAMRA urges that this application is refused, and that enforcement action is taken to restore the public house,” the objection concludes.
Local councillor for the Easton ward Barry Parson is supporting CAMRA in its objection. He said: “It should be turned back into a pub or something that would benefit the high street. On a high street there’s a need for businesses, hospitality venues and shops.”
Cllr Parsons made his objections and called in the plans to a committee after being contacted by CAMRA members.
In 2017, plans were submitted to convert the ground floor of the building into a two-bedroom flat but these were refused by the council on the basis that the move would result in the loss of an existing public house, considered to be a community facility. The council's refusal to the previous plans, which had been submitted by the owner, stated that 'the proposed development would not provide a high quality living environment for future occupants'.
The pub has been closed since a police raid uncovered an international drugs smuggling operation being run from inside the pub. In 2015 there were several convictions following the police raids carried out at the pub and nine residential properties in 2013, which uncovered 12 cannabis plants, ammunition for a handgun and large quantities of cash.
However, since the pub’s closure, the ground floor of the Victorian building has not been in use. There have been other pub closures on Stapleton Road which include the White Lion, The Armory Tavern and most recently the Three Blackbirds.
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