A VICTORIAN pub in Weston-super-Mare which has sat empty for five years could be demolished to make way for a block of flats with a smaller pub downstairs.

Developer CSN Homes wants to knock down the “derelict” London Inn and old sandwich shop on the corner of the Italian Gardens to build a “modern, sustainable new structure” in its place.

But one local warned the planned five-storey building would be “completely out of character” for the space.

The new building would have space for a smaller pub and for retail on the ground floor and 22 flats upstairs. The fifth storey would be “set back” so not immediately visible from the road. 

A statement submitted with the planning application said: “Currently, the structure is vacant, and has been so since 2019.

“The proposal will see this site re-used, to provide much needed residential accommodation contributing to the revitalisation of the town centre in line with the local authority policy for this area.

“The redevelopment of this corner plot will enhance and balance this ‘gateway’ into the annexed section of High Street, onto the Playhouse Theatre and further on to Grove Park.”

Submitting an objection to the application on North Somerset Council’s planning portal, one person warned: “This style of development, a five-storey building would be completely out of character with the surrounding buildings. It would disrupt the area and present a major problem on several fronts.

“As this location is in a town centre location close to pubs, clubs and restaurants then there may be constant conflict with noise and social disturbance and should be allocated to pure retail use with minimal residential use.”

A second objector said: “Yet again, more housing in very much the wrong place! This will create noise, over population and excessive litter in an area already swamped in HMO or bedsit types of accommodation.

“The building, in part, has lovely architectural details and this would be lost forever. We have already lost enough buildings of age and history.”

But a statement submitted with the planning application said: “The external changes are proposed are a significant improvement on the existing building, which will enhance the appearance of the corner, alongside the improved layout.”

A heritage added that, although the former building had been built as a pub in 1843, it had been substantially altered, was in poor condition, and would be “uneconomic” to retain.

It stated: “With the numerous alterations evident, it is clear that any historical details the original construction may have presented are no longer present.

“It is considered that there is no architectural significance to the existing building.”

You can view and comment on the plans here: https://planning.n-somerset.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=SHYGFOLPJA400