An application to turn a former pub and hotel in Surfleet into flats has been deferred amid concerns over flooding.
Plans to turn the Riverside Hotel on Station Road into seven self-contained flats came before South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee last night (Wednesday).
Planning officers had recommended that the project be given the go-ahead despite objections from the Environment Agency.
They argued the building was adjacent and not in the high flood risk area.
But some councillors were particularly concerned about a proposed basement flat below the level of the river.
Coun Chris Brewis, who proposed the deferment, said: “If something does go wrong and water gets in that cellar, then we know who is going to be blamed.”
The meeting was told that the applicant Mr Bond had told planning officers that the development would not be financially viable without the basement flat.
Alongside looking to alleviate flooding concerns, councillors also requested more information on how the applicant planned to manage the shared spaces and waste from the residents.
The Fenland Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale also submitted an objection concerned over the loss of the pub, though the meeting was told another such establishment is close by.
Planning Committee chair Coun James Avery said: “Given the nature of change of use I believe there’s little if no impact on the landscape and the community and the potential development is wholly acceptable and sustainable.
“The loss of a public house is regrettable. But this is a growing trend in the hospitality sector of this country which shows little sign of abating any time soon and the COVID pandemic has only exacerbated this situation.
“The report uses the term ‘use it or lose it’ and this seems to be a little harsh, but The Riverside public house and hotel is at the end of the day a business venture, not a charity.
“The accounts submitted by the applicant reflect a diminishing financial return for this particular business.in tough trading conditions.
“I’ve no doubt this will be a nice place to live in, is in an adequate position and more than adequate parking.
“I see no negative impact on the residential amenity of those living in the vicinity.”
The application will now come back before the committee at a later date.
