An Isle of Wight pub dating back to the 17th century will get new ‘high quality’ bed and breakfast accommodation.
The Isle of Wight council has granted Character Inns IW Limited listed building consent (LBC) to install five guest suites at Yarmouth’s The Kings Head.
Proposals include four double en-suite bedrooms and one family suite with three sleeping areas and a bathroom.
The pub’s loft, presently used for storage, would house two of the family sleeping spaces.
Diversification vital
A statement written by the Andrew White Planning Consultancy on behalf of Character Inns said,
“Given the challenging nature of the hospitality industry, particularly in light of operational costs and seasonal constraints, it becomes ever more important to explore diversification opportunities.
“The same management team have seen the benefits of providing guest accommodation at their other establishments across the Island and have spotted an opportunity at The Kings Head.
“Given the availability of space above the pub, currently used as occasional staff accommodation, coupled with the popularity of Yarmouth and the proximity to cross-Solent travel (Wightlink ferry), the applicants have identified an opportunity of providing five high-quality guest suites including a larger multiroom family suite.”
The existing layout mostly dates from the 20th century
County Hall explained its decision in an Officer Written Justification report,
“Considering the age of the building and the fact that the list description refers to various features that date from the 17th and 18th centuries (such as the 17th century fireplaces on the ground floor), there were concerns over the likely impact of the alterations on any features that remain within the underlying structure.
“However, following the site visit, it is clear that the existing layout mostly dates from the 20th century and the proposed additional work mainly builds on these previous divisions.”
Planning conditions
The council attached six conditions to its consent: works starting no later than three years after granted permission, development being carried out according to submitted plans with the exception of condition requirements and any required changes to the pub’s attic staircase not being started until details are submitted and approved.
County Hall added works relating to a ground floor partition, drainage and boilers should not be started before submitted details are approved and a statement on any works involving sound insulation, protected routes or means of escape should be filed and agreed.
Protecting the historic fabric
The conditions were justified on the basis of the Isle of Wight’s planning policy framework and protecting the pub’s historic fabric.
Yarmouth Town Council made no objection to the application.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
