Microbrewery plan given green light for Portishead Precinct

Former chippy, Blue Seas Fish Bar, will be replaced by Portishead Brewing Company.

The plans, which were revealed by the Times last month, are designed to provide something different in Portishead Precinct.

The micropub will serve around eight draught beers, coffee and pizza.

And there will be a small microbrewery so the team can show the concept of craft beers to customers.

They plan to give the premises a lick of paint and create a seating area for 24 people outside.

Most of the units nearby are shops and there are no homes in the immediate area, with the applicants saying the change of use would bring ‘significant benefits’ to the local economy.

Its statement to North Somerset Council said: “The scheme would not harm the vitality and viability of the shopping area, and that significant benefits could be accrued for the local economy.

“The bar seeks to compliment the main retail function of the area rather than detract from it.”

The bar will open from 10am, closing at 10pm Tuesday to Thursday, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 6pm on Sundays.

Approving the plans, North Somerset Council said the microbrewery will support the evening economy and enhance the mix of uses in the town centre.

Its planning officer said ‘proposals for economic development within settlement boundaries will be supported’.

They added: “It is considered that the proposed microbrewery will support evening economy and enhance the mix of uses within the town centre.

“The application site is located within the town centre of Portishead and is surrounded by retail and office uses.

“Given that the application site has previously been used as a restaurant and a hot food takeaway, where there are no residential dwellings within the immediate area, it is considered that the proposed microbrewery would not result in an unacceptable increase in noise level.”

Portishead Town Council raised no objections to the plan when it discussed the scheme at the start of March.