Town councillors have this week given their support to plans by pub chain Greene King to rebuild Burnham-On-Sea’s fire-hit Rosewood pub despite some concerns about a proposed new ventilation system.
The firm has submitted a planning application for the pub’s rebuild following a devastating blaze in June, reported here, when crews from across Somerset tackled a huge fire at the building in Love Lane.
While town councillors at a Planning Applications Committee meeting on Wednesday evening (November 20th) welcomed the work to rebuild the pub, they said that some local residents and Sedgemoor’s Environmental Health Officer have raised questions over a proposed new kitchen ventilation system at the side of the pub which they say could create odour and noise.
Burnham’s Mayor, Cllr Andy Brewer, told Wednesday’s meeting: “The plans are to rebuild the pub as it was previously, with only a few minor alterations. There is a new kitchen and ventilation/extraction system proposed. Until last year, there were very few homes near the pub but now that Olivia Close has been extended there are more people living close by.”
“Sedgemoor’s Environmental Health Officer is not satisfied that there is enough information about odour and noise assessments, so while we have no issues with the rebuild itself, there are some environmental aspects that need to be looked into further.”
Cllr Louise Parkin said at the meeting: “From my own experience, the extraction system doesn’t cause the smells – it’s what done in the kitchen with their cooking oil. If it is filtered and changed daily it will be fine – if not, it stinks to high heaven.”
Cllr Brewer added: “I’m sure we’ll support our residents with this and await the feedback from the Environmental Health Officer.”
Cllr Peter Clayton added: “It’s important to note that we have no objections with the rebuilding itself, which is welcome, but we need the Environmental Health Officer’s report.”
Cllr Bill Hancock added: “It’s really good to see the rebuild happening and moving ahead.”
Town councillors decided not to raise any observations on the application, and while they support the rebuild, they will await the Environmental Health report for a final decision.
A Greene King spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We have been working hard to assess the damage to the Rosewood pub since the fire earlier this year and we are pleased to now be in a position to submit a planning application to rebuild the pub.”
“Whilst it is too early to give an exact date for reopening, we are hoping work will be complete in Spring 2020 and we look forward to welcoming back the local community to the pub soon.”
New plans to rebuild fire-hit Rosewood pub in Burnham-On-Sea formally unveiled
