Councillor Sarah Bogle is opposing applicant Mr T Grosz’s bid to change the Alfred Arms in Northam Road, Southampton, by adding a two-bedroom flat.
The ground and lower ground floor of the pub – which dates back to the 1800s – would be turned into a single flat if plans get the green light from Southampton City Council.
The watering hole closed its doors for good in April 1982, but has in recent years played host to exhibitions by graduate artists from RIPE, an exhibition programme run by visual arts organisation ‘a space’ arts at locations across Southampton. The building is currently empty.
Alfred Arms pub, Southampton. Photo: Maya George
Cllr Bogle, Labour councillor for Bargate, has objected to the submitted plans and has fears over “poor-quality housing”.
In a post on social media, Cllr Bogle said: “I have objected to the permitted development application to convert 82 Northam Road to residential.
“It is on our local list and was recently used as an artist’s space and workshop.
“Permitted development rights in planning have produced far too much poor-quality housing, and I have lobbied MPs to change this aspect of planning law.”
The planning application states that the existing two-bedroom flat on the first and second floors of the building would remain unchanged.
No private off-street parking will be provided, but there would be bicycle storage available.
Three objections have already been raised by residents.
One objector, who owns a property on Northam Road, said: “I cannot express my objection to this proposal strongly enough.
“The building in question is of historical importance as the smallest pub in Southampton, and as such, should remain a commercial property.
“There is already an abundance of run-down, badly managed flats… on this abandoned street, heavily contributing to its ongoing decline.”
Another objector said it would be a mistake to turn the site into housing.
Posting on the council’s planning portal, they said: “This building was used for art and music events and creative studios, which united local communities and creatives on an extremely run-down and neglected street to create something unique and grassroots in an overlooked part of the city.
“I think it would be a mistake to allow this unique space to become flats. The street is already filled with troubled flats and neglectful landlords, and I feel this street needs more investment beyond low-quality flats.”
A decision on the application will be made by the council by April 27.