Residents object to pub

ANGRY residents living near an empty Nailsea pub are objecting to plans to open up the venue again.

Nailsea Unit Trust has submitted an application to North Somerset Council to expand The Glass House pub in Crown Glass Place with a view to reopening the watering hole and pub giant Wetherspoons has already expressed in an interest in taking it on.

The Glass House, which was known to attract troublemakers when it was open, has been shut for almost a year now and the proposals have sparked a number of objections from residents who are afraid the pub will bring antisocial behaviour to their doorsteps again.

In an objection submitted to the council, Alan Plumpton of Hillcrest Road, said: “I have resided at the above address for 26 years and in that time have been subjected to considerable inconvenience from late night bass noise emanating from inside the building.

“In addition, I have been subjected to noise and foul language from the beer garden during the day and into the late evening.

“Since the premises were closed, late night noise and disturbances have virtually disappeared, particularly in the vicinity of the Stock Way South/Valley Gardens pedestrian way.”

Neighbours claim the beer garden is too near to residential homes, that the exit onto Stock Way South will create a road safety hazard and that the building is an eyesore so should not be extended.

Mr Plumpton added: “Planning consent should only be given for a complete demolition and rebuild of an appropriate development more in keeping with the aspirations for Nailsea’s future.”

Despite the objections from residents, Nailsea Town Council’s planning and environmental committee recommended accepting the application with the proviso that the beer garden is improved by screening and sound reduction.

In a covering letter to North Somerset, Jeff Richards, associate director of Volaw Corporate Trustees, said: “This application proposes to extend and alter the building to enhance its character and appearance and to bring it back into appropriate use.

“This will provide a facility for the community and will help to improve the vitality and viability of the town centre by increasing footfall and by providing a complementary facility to the town centre’s shopping function.”

A Wetherspoons spokesman said: “We are in negotiations and it is a site we are very interested in.

“It is not a site we own but we are looking to take it over.”

The application is due to be discussed at the council’s central area planning committee tomorrow (Thurs).