Historic Plymouth pub set to be restored to its former glory
A historic pub in the Stonehouse area of Plymouth which has seen better days is to be refurbished and extended. But “extensive” work at The Vine Hotel which includes raising the height of the roof and adding dormer windows, rooflights, balconies and a first floor extension for staff has worried neighbours, who fear it is overdevelopment.
Plymouth City Council planning officers said the redesigned roof space would be “highly visible” given the prominent nature of the building near the waterfront at Admiral’s Hard, an historic landing point between Devon and Cornwall, and Stonehouse Royal Marines Barracks. There would also be a reduction in daylight to some neighbouring properties.
The officers’ opinion was that the application was “finely balanced” but the public benefits of retaining the pub and upgrading historic facades outweighed any harm. The council’s historic environment team said the impact on the Stonehouse Peninsula Conservation Area would be “negligible”.
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Councillors voted by six votes to two in favour of approving the planning application at Thursday's planning committee meeting.
Planning committee member Cllr Josh McCarty (Lab, St Budeaux) said there are “beautiful buildings” at Admiral’s Hard but significant development over the years had led to many commercial spaces turned into residential properties.
The committee heard that similar dormer windows are common in the area and that buildings are of varying heights. The council received 79 letters opposing the plans and 45 in favour.
Applicant Warren Kressinger-Dunn, who also owns the Victualling Office Tavern nearby, said The Vine had long served as the first and last pub in Devon welcoming passengers arriving from Cornwall on the Cremyll Ferry.
“Sadly like many historical buildings, The Vine has faced years of neglect and without substantial investment and it risks being part of Plymouth’s forgotten past,” he said.
He wants to return the pub to “its former glory transforming it into a place that will serve the needs of local residents and visitors for generations to come.”
He told the committee it was no small undertaking as the building needs new plumbing, electrics and gas installations to meet safety and fire standards, as well as a new roof. The manager’s accommodation would be across two floors, and spaces for functions would also be improved.
“Our experience of running the Victualling Office Tavern just a short distance away from The Vine shows what can be achieved when a building is revitalised with a community at its heart,” he said. “Since acquiring and refurbishing the VOT in 2022, it has become a thriving venue for charity events, quiz nights, weddings and more.”
Opponents said they welcomed investment to reopen the pub, but strongly objected to the proposed development in its current form which is “unsympathetic”.
They said it would change “beyond recognition” a non-listed heritage asset of modest appearance and plans don’t align with planning policy or guidance.
Cllr Ian Darcy (Con, Plympton St Mary) said there was going to be a significant breach of planning guidance which would result in less daylight for some neighbouring properties and this would “set a dangerous precedent”.