Updated plans for Pinchbeck’s former Bell Inn submitted

Updated plans to partly demolish a well known grot spot site have been submitted.

The former Bell Inn pub in Pinchbeck has stood empty for years, but it could be getting a fresh new look if developers are given the green light by South Holland District Council.

Boarded up and suffering from fire damage and vandalism, concerns have previously been made about the appearance of the site – with many residents hoping to see it tided up.

Venture Business Space Ltd have now submitted new plans to focus on turning the former pub into a shop.

Originally the developers proposed building eight homes at the rear of the site but concerns were raised about the impact on the village’s conservation area and the already busy Church Street.

The report now states if the retail application is approved, the permission relating to the flats will ‘remain in place, but in reality will not take place’.

If the development goes ahead, the convenience store is expected to open seven days a week between 6am and 11pm.

There will be 15 parking spaces – one for disabled and one for electric vehicles. Two cycle stands and one motorcycle space will also be included.

Developers are looking to keep the front and the roof of the main building, but demolish the two storey rear extension and replace it with a single storey extension.

The former pub’s white paint will also be removed to expose the original bricks.

A Heritage Impact Assessment and Desk based Assessment submitted states if permission is granted, an archaeological condition for mitigation strategy would need to take place.

This would evaluate if the site had any archaeological remains which could be impacted by the proposed development.

In 2023, Wirrall-based Charlotte Properties was granted planning permission to convert the pub into five flats along with building nine bungalows at the rear.

This development never came to fruition and the site was sold last year for just under £1million.

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