Council wants to save pub that it tried to shut down (2025)

Developers plan to replace historic building with apartment block

Bristol City Council wants to save an historic pub that it tried unsuccessfully to shut down.

The local authority’s planners are objecting to the proposed demolition of The Bull Inn in Crews Hole, which would be replaced by a three-storey block of nine flats.

They say the loss of the pub has not been justified and would cause substantial harm to the Avon Valley Conservation Area because of the building’s unique character.

But the council will not make the decision on whether to grant or refuse permission because the developers, Wellington Pub Company, have bypassed the planning department, which is in special measures, and applied directly to the government’s Planning Inspectorate.

The local authority tried to shut the pub down in 2021 when its licensing sub-committee revoked its premises licence following breaches of covid rules and reports from residents about fights and noise.

But the council did a U-turn in March 2022 to avoid an expensive appeal before magistrates.

Sign up to receive daily news updates and breaking news alerts straight to your inbox for free here.

However, The Bull Inn closed the following year because of debts.

In their submission to the Planning Inspectorate, City Hall planning officers said the redevelopment should be rejected.

They said the nearest alternative pubs were too far away, with residents having to make a 16-minute walk up a steep hill, and that the applicants’ claims that the boozer was no longer commercially viable had not been proven.

Their report said: “A public house being vacant or closed is not evidence that renewed use as a public house could not be viable under new management.

“The demolition of this purpose-built public house building would fail to preserve or enhance the established and authentic character of the existing Bull Inn and would therefore harm the Avon Valley Conservation Area.

“The existing building by virtue of its unique architectural character and historic integrity makes a valuable contribution to the character of this heritage asset.

“It is considered an important local monument for its architectural and historic interest, so, integral to the character and appearance of the conservation area.

“In this respect, it is considered that complete loss by demolition risks substantial harm.

“The demolition and loss of the landmark building and the pub sign from the conservation area would have a significantly negative and damaging impact on significance and architectural and historic character.

“Permanent and irreversible loss is not considered justified.

“The existing building should form the focus of a heritage-led development that contributes to the local character and distinctiveness.”

It said the design of the proposed new building was unacceptable and would be out of keeping with the area.

Historic England agrees with the council that the building should be retained and repurposed.

A total of 36 residents have also objected to the plans, with almost all saying the pub should be kept as some kind of community hub.

The Bull Inn has been a pub since 1803 and the present building has been there 125 years.

The Planning Inspectorate aims to make its decision by May 6.