Pub group set to reopen old Nest nightclub in Bath
It comes after the council lifted a rule restricting use of the site's garden
An old nightclub in Bath looks set to reopen as a pub after Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) Council lifted a rule restricting use of its garden.
The City Pub Group has wanted to reopen the old Nest nightclub for some time, but said they had no incentive to do so if the rule remained.
A condition on the planning application allowed the external area to be used until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 11pm Sunday to Thursday, but it had to be renewed every year.
Residents said the annual review was of paramount importance but councillors found it was unreasonable when there were other safeguards in place.
Representing City Pubs, agent Tom Edmunds told BANES Council’s planning committee meeting on August 25: “All we’re applying to do here is remove the 12-month limit on use of the garden because it’s impractical, it makes any attempt to open the premises as a pub unviable.
“It can’t be expected for businesses to invest into the site and develop the garden area, only to have this last 12 months and have that uncertainty hanging over it.
“It’s not the role of the planning system to place burdens on development. Refusing this application will mean the site continues to remain vacant and deteriorate, to nobody’s benefit.”
Speaking after concerns from several residents, Walcot’s Councillor Tom Davies said removing the condition would significantly weaken the safeguards put in place in the application to convert the grade II-listed former nightclub, which shut in 2019.
“The new owners have nothing to fear if the establishment is run in accordance with the conditions,” he said.
“To the residents the condition is of paramount importance. They believe it provides them with the additional protection they require over such a sensitive and previously troubled site.”
Cllr Lucy Hodge said the condition was put on for good reason to address residents’ concerns and the committee should not allow it to be removed.
But Cllr Eleanor Jackson said it was unreasonable for the situation to be reviewed every 12 months.
“Were this pub to be the subject of unreasonable noise or too many inebriated teenagers staggering out of it or any other public disorder problem, that would come under licensing,” she said.
Proposing to follow officer advice, Cllr Rob Appleyard said it would be unfair and disproportionate to keep the condition, adding: “There are enough safeguarding in terms of planning and licensing to ensure the right behaviours are there.”
The committee voted to vary the condition by eight votes to two against.
The City Pub Group also owns and operates the Bath Brewhouse and more than 40 other venues nationally.
They have promised to be a good neighbour to those living near the venue.