Popular pub to become eatery and bedsits

A  former Westgate pub that has stood empty for several years, may become an eatery , with upstairs converted into flats

Plans have been submitted concerning the Blue Bull, on the corner of Dysart Road, which closed in 2015.

Plans have been submitted by the Grantham owner who wants to demolish the existing single storey extension and replace it.

The company also wants to change the use of the site from pub to form a ground floor drinking establishment, restaurants and cafes, with a larger HMO on first and second floor.

The application to South Kesteven planners says redeveloping the site will create eight one-bed bedsits and a business creating the equivalent of five full-time jobs.,

The overall building dates from the 18th century, originally a farmhouse, becoming a pub in 1826. It was once known as the Blue Bull and Cattle Market Inn, It was very popular on Thursdays with farmers until the closure of the cattle market.

The building has been empty since 2015 and extensive marketing has failed to find any interest in keeping it as a pub. There are also other pubs nearby and the building has not been listed as an asset of community value.

The application says:  “Increased residential occupancy in town centre areas is recognised as a positive planning measure, contributing to town centre character and vitality.”

The town centre location was appropriate and the bedsit occupants would typically not need a car, with facilities easily accessible by foot.

The application continued: “The proposals in this instance will result in no loss of significance to heritage assets. Indeed, by conversion and re-use of the building, its long terms future, and its contribution to the character and appearance of the locality will be assured.”

“In its particular context, the extension design is considered appropriately and will uplift a poor-quality rear elevation to the built, set alongside what has become, since the opening of the adjoining retail park, a busy pedestrian thoroughfare.”

The application concludes: “The appraisal process has identified a clear and justified design and access solution for the site. This has been based upon an appraisal of the site and the surrounding area. It has drawn upon the physical context of the site and the surrounding area.

“The proposed development is considered to represent an appropriate re-use of an important and prominent building. The proposed food and drink / residential use is consistent with relevant national and local planning policies and will result in no demonstrable harm to the locality or to adjoining residential amenity.

“The development will result in no adverse or detrimental highways impacts. The development represents an appropriate re-use of a previously developed site in a highly accessible, sustainable location. “

The pub is best remembered for the days of ‘Warthog’ and entertainment there, and the pub-grub, real ale and quiz nights under John Senior.