News / redevelopment
‘Eyesore’ former pub to be turned into nursing home
Plans to give a dilapidated former pub in south Bristol a new lease of life as a nursing home for patients with dementia have been welcomed.
One resident called the White Hart Lodge “an eyesore to the local community,” and Bristol Civic Society has praised the redevelopment plans, saying they “will greatly enhance the appearance of this site, which is in a very prominent position”.
The building on Brislington Hill was for many years a coaching inn, but it closed as a pub in the early 2000s and became the home of a theatre school.
is needed now More than ever
Since the Bristol Performing Arts School moved to Warmley in 2010, the grade II-listed building has stood unused.
The carpark at the back of the the White Hart Lodge currently contains a collection of caravans – photo: Betty Woolerton
Meadow Care Homes is proposing to build an 80-bed care home and 20 key-worker flats, as well as facilities such as a cafe/bar, hair and beauty salon and massage suites.
The lodge will be retained and a new four-storey main building built on the land behind it, which is currently occupied by a number of caravans.
The aim is for White Hart Lodge to serve as a “dual social centre” for both residents and the wider Brislington community.
Developers say the building is now “in a very sad condition requiring considerable investment”.
Revised plans could see the former pub turn into an 80-bed dementia nursing home – image: Bristol Civic Society
Commenting on the application, one resident said: “I totally agree with the redevelopment of White Hart Lodge to a Care Home operated by Meadow Care Homes.
“This building is currently an eyesore to the local community and all that passes by on the A4 Bath Road.”
“Also, the rear of the building is being used as a caravan park and some are in a dilapidated state.”
“The sooner this site is redeveloped, the better.”
However, another neighbour objected to the plans due to concerns about staff parking, loss of privacy for nearby residents, the building’s height and the loss of heritage.
The former coach house dates back to 1738 – photo: Betty Woolerton
In its supporting letter, Bristol Civic Society said it “supports the revised proposals for this challenging site in Brislington Hill.
“Current plans include the renovation of the grade II former coaching inn and the creation of an 80-bed dementia nursing home.
“The reduced amount of demolition and the removal of the previously proposed two new blocks facing the frontage (included in the previous scheme) have greatly improved the setting of the listed building and have removed a major cause of objection.
“In overall terms, the proposed restoration and redevelopment proposals will greatly enhance the appearance of this site, which is in a very prominent position on Brislington Hill.”
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
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