a
An historic Felpham pub will be able to offer overnight accommodation after plans were passed by Arun District Council.
Change of use was sought of the first floor of The Fox Inn, Waterloo Road, to provide five guest bedrooms with en suites for short term stays, also permission for a replacement timber pergola and replacement first floor windows.
A design and access statement by Helyer Davies Architects said the independently run pub, which dates back to 1790 and is listed by Arun as a building of character, is predominantly flint faced with red brick detailing, and has a clay tiled roof covering.
“The first floor is currently a single residential dwelling providing accommodation for the pub owner,” the statement said.
Two would be family rooms and the maximum capacity would be 12 people.
“This development will protect the long-term viability of the business,” the statement said.
An objection was raised by the Conservation Area Advisory Panel to plans to replace windows which it said were ‘very important features of the building’.
“Repair rather than replacement should be the aim and secondary glazing could be undertaken in order to improve thermal efficiency,” it said.
“The bow window is a particularly fine feature of the front elevation of the building. The existing fenestration is curved to match the curve of the cornice and it will appear clumsy and inappropriate to introduce straight sections of window frames. There is a strong case here to retain the existing windows if replacement precisely as existing is not proposed.”
In their decision report, Arun officers said: “It is common for the first floor of public houses to accommodate guest rooms, and this alteration would enable to first floor accommodation to be efficiently used. The change of use would not harm the character or appearance of the building or the conservation area.
“Following the comments from the conservation officer, the proposal has been amended, with the existing bay window remaining in situ, and the remaining fenestration amended to reflect the glazing pattern of the existing.
"It is noted that the conservation officer maintains their objection following these amendments, and that the preferred approach would be to repair the existing windows rather than replace them. However, the proposed replacement would closely match the existing fenestration in terms of materials and appearance, and the visual impact of the alteration would be minimal. ”
To see the plans on the Arun District Council website, use the search reference FP/135/25/PL.