Plan to turn pub into flats 'terrible' - landlord

Chris Evans, landlord of the Bell Inn, says he is "surprised" by the plans for the pub

A Gloucestershire pub faces an uncertain future as "terrible" plans to turn most of it into flats are approved.

Chris Evans, 79, who runs The Bell Inn in Cheltenham said he was "surprised" by the latest proposals for the building, which dates back to 1809.

The pub was registered as a community asset earlier this year, but now Cheltenham Borough Council has granted permission to convert the pub into flats and a new house.

"We recognise that this outcome is disappointing for the current landlord who has managed the premises for many years," a council spokesperson said.

"However, the role of the planning department is to consider the applicant's submission against planning law and policy."

Mr Evans says the pub is "the last remaining Regency inn in Cheltenham"

The council had registered the inn as an asset of community value earlier this year, which was meant to protect it from inappropriate development and give the community a chance to buy it, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"It's terrible," said Mr Evans, who has run the pub for more than 30 years.

"This is the last remaining Regency inn in Cheltenham.

"It's not failing, it was heaving in here last weekend."

Mr Evans said his customers were totally against the proposals.

"When the first lot of plans were put in we got over 750 signatures against the development," he said.

"Despite all this, the public support, the petition and asset of community value… the council has decided to disregard all this and allow the Georgian pub to be converted into luxury apartments."

The council confirmed planning permission had been granted for the inn and public objections as well as other relevant considerations had been thoroughly assessed.