News / fishponds
Developers could get permission to convert pub into student flats
Developers could get planning permission to convert an 18th-century pub into new student flats “through the back door”.
Councillors reluctantly voted to give their approval for various works to the Old Tavern, a derelict pub in Fishponds on the corner of Blackberry Hill and Small Lane.
The Grade-II listed pub has been left empty since 2018.
Developers were granted listed building consent by Bristol City Council for various internal and external works to the site. The building is in a poor state of repair, with damaged roofs letting water in, and a history of squatters.
Councillors on the development control A committee on Wednesday raised concerns that this means the plans to convert the pub into flats for 33 students could still go ahead. That’s despite them previously refusing permission for a change of use of the building.
The pub could be turned into new student flats – photo: Angus Meek Architects
In October, councillors on the same committee voted to refuse planning permission to convert the pub into student flats. Developers would have built 33 flats in the building, an adjacent building and a new one. But councillors said there were not enough alternative pubs nearby.
The developers could appeal the October refusal to the government’s Planning Inspectorate. A planning inspector could overturn the decision, and grant planning permission. Alongside this listed building consent, that would mean the conversion into student flats could then go ahead.
Richard Eddy, the Conservative councillor for Bishopsworth, said: “This consent may be used as a catalyst for actually providing a back door to consent by appeal.”
Al Al-Maghrabi, Labour councillor for Frome Vale, added: “In its current state it seems run down and damaged, and it’s an eyesore. If works can be done to improve this site, then I’d reluctantly like to agree [consent]. But I also share the concerns of Richard. We don’t know what comes next.”
Main photo: Google
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