An Isle of Wight pub can now be turned into houses but developers will be keeping a close eye out for buried treasure.
Underneath the Kynges Well on Brading High Street, studies have shown there is a high potential for Saxon, Medieval, 17th and 18th Century archaeological deposits and medium potential for Bronze Age and Roman finds.
While permission has been granted by the Isle of Wight Council to convert the Grade II listed pub into two houses, the authority has told its owner, Mr D. Hopkinson, any groundwork undertaken must be watched to ensure archaeological remains are identified, investigated and recorded.
The pub has been closed since the start of 2020 but is falling into disrepair and is said to be a blot on the landscape by those behind the plan, and there was ‘no prospect’ of it returning to its previous use.
The authority issued permission for the development last week, subject to 11 conditions, despite objections to the plans calling for it to be opened up to the benefit of the town and saying it was an integral part of the town’s character.
Other comments submitted to the planning authority, however, said bringing the building back into use would enhance the street scene and another pub on the High Street would not be commercially viable among the other existing businesses.
The pub was marketed for several months with Gully Howard, the council has said, but no serious offers were made and significant investment is required to upgrade the business which is likely to deter buyers.
In its decision report, the council said the proposed conversion of the building is considered an acceptable viable use and would support the delivery of new homes to meet local housing needs.
The division of the listed building into the two houses is only likely to impact the historic timber, plasterwork and stone fabric – which is classed as less than substantial harm.
Original features, like the historic beams, fireplaces and a well in one of the front rooms, would be preserved.
Rear outbuildings, built in the 1980s and ‘not of historic merit’ would be demolished to make way for private gardens, a single-storey extension and parking spaces.
Yarmouth's Kings Head To Feature Bed And Breakfast Accommodation
New Low Cost Flats Could Come To Ryde - If Plans Get Approved
Casualty Airlifted To Hospital Following Serious Overnight Crash Near Porchfield
Engine Problems Lead To Yarmouth RNLI Callout To Osborne Bay
Ryde Academy Students Donate To Two Worthy Causes At Christmas
Road Improvement Works To Get Underway From The Very Start Of The New Year
Isle of Wight Youth Trust Benefits From Big Give Support
Council Chair 'Furious' Over Floating Bridge Replacement Fiasco
Fire Service Travel To Island Contributes To Huge Budget Overspend
Department Approaching Completion In Ryde As Opening Date Announced
Guidance Issued Over Sharps Disposal As Waste Teams At Risk
Police Warnings Over E-Scooters Ahead Of Christmas Day
Controversial Freshwater Housing Proposal Turned Down
Rare Mantis Shrimp Discovery Made In Waters Off Isle Of Wight
Man In 50s Confirmed Dead Following Newport Crash
Pedestrian In Hospital With Serious Injuries Following Early Morning Motorcycle Crash
Cowes Stately Home To Have Facilities Upgraded As Part Of Approved Renovation
Ofsted Deliver Glowing Report For 'Welcoming' And 'Highly Ambitious' Island Primary School
Help Available For Islanders To Cut Energy Bills
Cowes Lifeboat Performs Mid-Solent Rescue Of Fishing Boat
