A pub chain has promised to be a good neighbour as a safeguard blocking its significant investment in a Bath venue was lifted.
The Guildhall in Bath
The City Pub Group said it was not viable to reopen the old Nest nightclub at 7 Bladud Buildings back as a pub if use of the garden could be banned after 12 months.
Residents said the annual review was of paramount importance but councillors found it was unreasonable when there were other safeguards in place.
A condition on the planning application allowed the external area to be used until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 11pm Sunday to Thursday, but it had to be renewed every year.
Representing City Pubs, agent Tom Edmunds told Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee meeting on 25th August: “All we’re applying to do here is remove the 12-month limit on use of the garden because it’s impractical, it makes any attempt to open the premises as a pub unviable.
“It can’t be expected for businesses to invest into the site and develop the garden area, only to have this last 12 months and have that uncertainty hanging over it.
“It’s not the role of the planning system to place burdens on development. Refusing this application will mean the site continues to remain vacant and deteriorate, to nobody’s benefit.”
He said there were numerous other safeguards in place to protect nearby residents and City Pubs wants to build a positive relationship with the community.
Speaking after concerns from several residents, Walcot’s Councillor Tom Davies said removing the condition would significantly weaken the safeguards put in place in the application to convert the grade II-listed former nightclub, which shut in 2019.
“The new owners have nothing to fear if the establishment is run in accordance with the conditions,” he said.
“To the residents the condition is of paramount importance. They believe it provides them with the additional protection they require over such a sensitive and previously troubled site.”
Cllr Lucy Hodge said the condition was put on for good reason to address residents’ concerns and the committee should not allow it to be removed.
But Cllr Eleanor Jackson said it was unreasonable for the situation to be reviewed every 12 months.
“Were this pub to be the subject of unreasonable noise or too many inebriated teenagers staggering out of it or any other public disorder problem, that would come under licensing,” she said.
Proposing to follow officer advice, Cllr Rob Appleyard said it would be unfair and disproportionate to keep the condition, adding: “There are enough safeguarding in terms of planning and licensing to ensure the right behaviours are there.”
The committee voted to vary the condition by eight votes to two against.
The City Pub Group also owns and operates the Bath Brewhouse and more than 40 other venues nationally.
Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter
