Historic former pub to be turned into homes

A historic former pub and hotel by the River Glen is to be turned into flats.

The Mermaid in Surfleet, which was granted Grade II Listed Building Status last May, will be made into five homes.

Three two-storey and one-single storey dwellings are also set to be built in the former beer garden and car park.

Parts of the building date back to the early 18th century and a previous application for the site had been deferred for further financial information, in which time Historic England granted it listed status and objected to the proposals.

Lewis Smith, on behalf of the applicant, told South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee: “In light of the listing we’ve completely redesigned elements and how the original building is treated.

“The business did not make a profit and has been closed since the start of covid and is still on the market today.

“My client would only be too happy to sell the premises if it were to remain as a restaurant with bar and bed and breakfast, especially having invested so much of her time and money renovating what was a very run down building when purchased.

“However the premises can not remain empty for an indefinite period especially now they’re listed.

“Surfleet is well supported by two other pubs.

“The proposal will see this landmark building retained on the riverside through the introduction of new, viable use.”

Committee chair Coun James Avery called the financial figures “horrendous” and said objectors should have attempted to get The Mermaid listed as an Asset of Community Value.

“The loss of a pub and restaurant is always lamentable but this venue closed nearly three years ago and this has no detrimental effect on the vitality and economy of the village of Surfleet,” he said. “I sympahise with the applicant. The expectation from some residents is that owners can somehow force to continue to operate the business and with it take the associated risks and losses which, I think, is simply unfair.

“Given the buildings only been closed for two years it’s already starting to look very sorry and tired.”

While there were objections from numerous residents and Surfleet Parish Council, councillors voted in favour of the application.

Coun Simon Walsh said: “This application was deferred for the financial information which has now been provided and confirms what the applicant was saying at the time.

“During that time an application was made out of anger to have the building listed and prevent any further development.

“Whether that is true or not, these historical bodies were not interested in this building prior to that application 

“We all know the hospitality industry has changed beyond all recognition since covid and many people now stay at home.

“The village will still be served by two public houses for a population a lot smaller than Donington which since 1996 has gone from four public horses to one, and that pub doesn’t open seven days a week.”