Still no opening date for new Bexhill Wetherspoons

6/1/15- Site of the new Wetherspoons in Western Road, Bexhill. SUS-150601-125144001

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

A pub chain has reiterated its commitment to opening a bar in Bexhill, despite the fact that building work has yet to begin, 16 months after planning permission was granted.

JD Wetherspoon was granted permission in May last year to turn the former cinema in Western Road into a pub.

But more than a year on the pub, which will be called the Picture Playhouse, has yet to open.

Rother District Council, which granted planning permission for the scheme, has said it is in discussion with Wetherspoons over a number of conditions which were put in place as part of the application’s approval.

A Rother District Council spokesman said: “Permission for the Western Road development was given in May 2015 and the applicant has three years from this date to start the development.

“There are a number of conditions attached to the planning permission, some of which need to be met before work can begin.

“These included providing Rother District Council with additional information about work to be carried out externally and the materials to be used.

“The applicant is currently working to meet these conditions.”

When contacted by the Observer, the pub giant would not be drawn on when work was likely to begin on the new venue.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “Wetherspoon is committed to opening its new pub in Bexhill.

“At present there are no on site or opening dates.”

The pub received a mixed response from residents when the plans were unveiled.

Some expressed concerns that the new addition would bring noise nuisance and exacerbate parking problems in the area.

Others spoke out in support of the application, arguing that the Playhouse Cinema had stood empty for too long.

* Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.bexhillobserver.net/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bexhillobserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @BexhillObs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Bexhill Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.