Future secure for village hotel

A Surfleet pub which was feared lost when plans were submitted to change it into flats, is very much open for business.

The Riverside Hotel, Surfleet, was subject of a controversial planning application earlier this year to convert it into six flats.

There were a raft of objections to the plans as it was the only pub which had been open.

But new owners have taken over the hotel and kept one bar open while working on the remainder of the building.

“We are very much open for business and have been trading as usual. One half of the building is being worked on but we hope to be fully open with a restaurant in September,” said Stuart Green, a member of the new team.

The business has been bought by Amar Odera, of Peterborough, and his family, and they have plans to develop the venue as an Indian takeaway as well as the bar and restaurant.

“Everyone was really pleased that it’s staying open,” added Mr Green.

The application, which was first discussed in March, had outline proposals for residential use after claims it was not economically viable.

But the report said it was ‘clear that it is a valued facility in the village,’ and plans were refused over flooding fears for basement apartments.

A new report, due to go before South Holland District Council’s planning committee next week, says things have changed significantly.

“Since the application was considered at the February planning committee, the public house has been sold as a going concern and as such, it may be considered a viable business,” it says.