Unauthorised structures in a pub garden in Bembridge are to be removed after an enforcement investigation – but the landlord is hoping to get permission for a new building.

During the course of the COVID pandemic, pub landlord and local councillor Jay Chapman built structures in the garden of the Ye Olde Village Inn, on Bembridge High Street, after restrictions limited indoor dining. It helped avoid the closure of the historic tavern but the structures were built without planning permission.

Following an investigation by the Isle of Wight Council’s planning enforcement team, planning applications were subsequently submitted and amended to rectify the situation.

The council, however, refused planning permission due to the increased noise levels, insufficient parking provision and the unsympathetic design, size and scale of the structures.

Now, a new application has been submitted to resolve the status of the pub garden — by removing the temporary structures, including the Mermaid Pod and Bar 61, and building ‘a more substantial one’, says planning documents.

Plan Research, planning agents acting on behalf of Mr Chapman, said the proposal allows for more spaces and year-round dining, offering the pub a financially sustainable future while limiting the noise risk to nearby properties.

The new building would be made of wood and glazed windows, and be closed in rather than open-fronted, also appearing ‘as less temporary’. It is also proposed that the toilet block would be retained and the existing kitchen area extended.

“This scheme would be a significant improvement for the business and local residents compared to the existing unauthorised buildings within the site.”

You can view the plans, 22/00862/FUL, on the council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until 5th August.

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