An Isle of Wight pub’s major redecoration plans and proposed name change have been shelved following opposition from a local parish council.
The Sloop Inn, a grade II listed pub dating from the 18th century and known for its carvery roasts, was going to change its name to The Watermill amid a proposed works scheme.
However, the name change faced strong objection locally.
Planning consultancy Boyer had applied to County Hall for planning and listed building consent for a series of internal and external changes to the pub, which is in Mill Square, Wootton Bridge.
Boyer made the bid on behalf of its client, Mitchells and Butlers, and was pitched as a ‘positive investment’ to improve the pub’s facilities, enhancing its ‘overall functionality’ and supporting its ‘long-term vitality’.
Proposed internal redecorations encompassed the bar front counter, bar back fitting alterations, the carvery, pizza and ice cream section of the pub, kitchen, glasswash room, party table area, toilets, entrance and adjacent dining space and the dining area.
External plans included new lighting, new flood defences to doors, a plaque on the building’s history, garden redecorations and a repair of the sea wall.
Boyer also applied for planning permission to create new advertisements and signage with a new name for the inn, The Watermill.
Filing an objection to the applications on January 24, a spokesperson for Wootton Bridge Parish Council said:
“Wootton Bridge Parish Council have no objections to the alterations; however, we wish to strongly object to the change of name from ‘The Sloop’ to ‘The Watermill’.
“The Sloop was built as a dedicated public house in the mid-1700s. It was not connected to the watermill, which was a separate building (now demolished and replaced with modern housing) to the right of the property.
“We feel that changing the name to ‘The Watermill’ is a misrepresentation and would be confusing for patrons.
“It has been a well-known Island landmark since the mid-1700s, and Southern Vectis bus stops are designated as ‘The Sloop’.”
All the plans have currently been shelved.
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