Public house conversion at The Ship Inn, 18 The Street, South Walsham

“Applicant’s Name: John Wellington Pub Company Site Address The Ship Inn 18 The Street South Walsham Norfolk NR13 6DQ Proposal Change of use from Public House to a single residential dwelling, addition of a dormer, new rooflight, new opening to facilitate the conversion incl. demolition of existing garage…”

“This proposal seeks full planning permission to change the use of the public house, known as The Ship Inn, to a single residential dwelling. The proposed change of use relates to the ground floor as the first and second floors are already in a residential use. By incorporating this area to change use with the existing residential use, it is not creating a separate residential unit.”

“The site is located centrally within the village on The Street in South Walsham. The pub has not been occupied since it closed due to the Covid 19 lockdown in 2020. The existing building is built brick, painted a cream colour, traditional red brick chimneys, with a black plinth and red pantiled roof.”

“The building is not a listed building, nor is the site within a Conservation Area. However, the building is considered a non-designated heritage asset.”

“20090514 Outdoor Eating/Drinking Area Entailing Demolition of Existing Sheds and Laying Down of Patio & Associated Works Approved…”

“The Public House was put up for sale with Caldecotte Group in December 2022, including the freehold of the property, given that the marketing for rental purposes were unsuccessful. A similar approach was taken to the rental market, thus reducing the asking price for the Public House through the marketing of it. The Public House was for sale for over 2 years and Caldecotte Group were unsuccessful in the sale of the building.”

“It is understood that the Public House was listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by a community group known as ‘Save the Ship’. The group had been negotiating with Caldecotte Group to acquire the Public House.”

“Loss of community asset which is a historic building • Loss of last remaining public house • Asset of Community Value • Efforts by local community group to purchase the site • Inadequate marketing • Unsustainable location…”

“Decision : Members voted 6 – 2 to approve subject to the following conditions:”

“Time Limit 2. In accordance with submitted plans 3. Highways – parking layout 4. Ecology – Bird/Bat boxes 5. No external lighting 6. No air source heat pumps 7. Unknown contamination 8. No PD for Clas A, AA, B, C, D, E, F & G 9. No PD for fences, gates etc.”