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Flat plan for Surfleet's Mermaid Inn could be approved by South Holland District Council's planning committee




A village pub could get the go ahead to be transformed into flats next week - despite opposition from residents.

Plans for a change of use for Surfleet’s Mermaid Inn are due to be decided by the district council’s planning committee on Wednesday.

The applicants - Mr and Mrs Swindells - want to turn the pub building into five apartments, said to be marketed at over-55s.

The Mermaid Inn, Surfleet (53612239)
The Mermaid Inn, Surfleet (53612239)

The plans would also see a three bed home built next to Stockhouse Lane and two four-bed properties put on the existing car park next to the River Glen.

The existing access off Gosberton Road would be closed off for cars and access to the properties made off Stockhouse Lane.

Documents prepared by planning officers state the pub was put up for sale in June 2020. The highest offer received was £500k - below the asking price of £725k. There is said to have been no fresh interest since Christmas 2020.

Officers, who recommend the plan is passed, say that the fact that this is not the last pub in Surfleet means it could be argued the Mermaid is ‘surplus to requirements’.

The plan is opposed by Surfleet Parish Council, who stated: “The council is aware of a large number of objections from local residents, this business has a long successful trading history in the village and its loss will have a negative impact on the village economy and available amenities. Neighbouring residents are also concerned that some of the proposals will have an impact on their own properties.

“We also understand that parts of the premises are part of the area’s heritage and should be preserved rather than lost to this development.”

A request was made to Historic England to consider listing the building, but this bid failed.

A challenge was submitted to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport - with no response received.

The officer’s report states the development would actually help with the ‘retention and reuse’ of the building and that this would benefit the ‘character and appearance’ of the area - and would not impinge on residents.

The site includes a landing stage by the River Glen. This was part of a plan to boost tourism - connecting Surfleet Seas End to Rutland Water - but this idea was abandoned and the stage handed to the Inn in 2014.



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