Is pub washed up for good?

A pub given listed building status just months ago could be turned into flats despite opposition from Historic England.

The Mermaid was granted Grade II listed status in May in an attempt to protect the currently-closed establishment on Gosberton Road, Surfleet.

But South Holland District Council planning officers are recommending the plans be passed by the authority’s Planning Committee when it meets next week.

As well as turning the building into five flats, the applicant wants to build three two-storey and one-single storey dwellings in the riverside beer garden.

The owners state in documents submitted with the application that The Mermaid was running at a loss for the last four years it was open and the beer garden costs £150 a week to run.

It also says it was told by the council it could no longer hold marquee functions after being served a noise abatement order in 2014.

The business was put up for sale for £700,000 but only two bids were received, the highest being for £500,000.

In its representation to the council, Historic England says it “has concerns regarding the application on heritage grounds”.

“Significance lies in the historic use of the buildings as a riverside inn with the elements of social space, food and drink, accommodation and brewing across its long history,” it says. “We urge your authority to critically assess the case for change.”

South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes objects to the proposal and there were several letters of objection.

Four representations were made in support.

The report to the committee by planning officer Polly Harris-Gorf recommending approval says that the business has been valued “at a token £1 and made a £51 profit when last open in 2020 after a £9,900 loss in 2019.

“The proposed development would facilitate the retention and reuse of a listed heritage asset that would be of benefit to the character and appearance of the locality,” the report states.