Controversial West End pub conversion plans up for approval

Controversial plans to turn a Lincoln West End pub into flats look set to be approved next week, despite a campaign against them.

City of Lincoln Council’s planning committee will be asked to give the go-ahead to Nigel Delahey’s proposals for the West End Tap.

The development will convert the pub and its upstairs flat into two maisonettes and build a new home to the rear by demolishing the existing outbuildings.

The owners have submitted evidence to the council which claims the venue has become unviable as a business since it was bought in 2013.

They said the building has had more than £250,000 of investment, has been incorporated into another business and has been leased to a tenant.

They also claim the pub has been associated with criminal activity, violence and confrontation and anti-social behaviour.

Next Wednesday, officers will recommend approval.

In a report to councillors they said: “It is considered that the proposed extension and proposed new build would be an appropriate addition to the street scene and would have no adverse impact on residential amenity.

“The change of use would also be appropriate given the surrounding residential uses. It is therefore considered that the proposal accords with national and local planning policy.”

Existing and proposed elevations and floor plans. | Photo: Lincs Design Consultancy Ltd

The plans have received more than 60 objections, including a representation from the Keep the Tap Running Group, which recently applied successfully to mark the building as an asset of community value – despite a previous appeal overturning another successful 2021 bid.

Officers said the move places little weight on the planning process and cannot prevent planning permission, but to achieve the status the applicants had to demonstrate that the current use “furthers the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community, and it is realistic to think that the future use of the asset will further the social wellbeing of the community”.

The ACV comes into action when the owner disposes of the property through sale or other method, and will activate a six-week period to allow community interest groups to make bids for the property.

If one is made, there is another six months in which the owner can sell only to the groups making bids – however, once ended the owner is free to sell to whoever they choose and for whatever price they want.

If approved the property would be subject to a Section 106 order banning it from being occupied by students.