A FORMER city centre pub will be converted into six flats after plans were permitted. 

The city council planning committee approved its own scheme for the Corner House submitted back in 2022.

The plan was held up because of nitrate regulations, the way of mitigating the environmental impact of development. 

The scheme was the subject of a recent scathing letter sent to council leader Martin Tod, which accused civic chiefs of a conflict of interest. 

Despite this, the plan for six one-bed flats can proceed after it was unanimously permitted by the planning committee on Wednesday, February 7. 

READ MORE: The Corner House plan slammed by the Campaign for Pubs

In the planning officers' report, it said: “While it will result in the loss of a facility and a town centre use, it is considered that it has been adequately demonstrated that the premises no longer performs as a local service and its loss is not considered to have a detrimental impact upon the overall vitality and viability of the settlement or town centre and would not cause harm to those living within the settlement. In addition to this, the proposal will provide much needed affordable housing.”

Hampshire Chronicle: The Corner House in Winchester, July 2022

Objector Quentin Brook told the committee: “It's a tough environment for pubs, but good landlords can rejuvenate them. If every time one is sold, they are converted to flats, we would have none left. This will represent just 0.6 per cent of the council's target of 1,000 homes. 

“This is an important application for all Winchester pubs. Will we be looking back in 10-20 years and asking where have all the pubs gone?”

Cllr Mark Reach, who represents the St Michael ward, said: “I support this application. We have 112 licensed premises in the city centre. The Corner House had turned into a cafe and restaurant. 

“We desperately need flats of this kind in the city centre. They will have good access to a number of good pubs in the vicinity. The regeneration of this site presents an opportunity to bring this derelict building back to life.”

Cllr Chris Westwood, cabinet member for housing, said: “This will return the building to be a valuable asset. My experience of the Corner House was that it was more of a cafe rather than a traditional pub. 

“I wasn't surprised when the Corner House closed its doors. There is a real, unmet demand for this type of accommodation.”

The committee was in favour of the scheme. Cllr Michael Read said: “Pubs close because of the cost of living. Use it or lose it. I'm pleased to see that the facade of the building will be maintained. That is important. I wish the project complete success.”

Cllr Brian Laming said: “I think I've been in every pub in Winchester. The Corner House has suffered from economic problems for a number of years. This is a very sympathetic renovation.”

The committee unanimously agreed to permit the scheme. 

The Corner House, in North Walls, closed in 2019 after it had been run by the Little Pub Company operated by Jayne Gillin.