Built in 1850 and named after the Prince Consort of Queen Victoria, the Albert Inn in Wyke Village has survived two world wars and now faces its greatest battle, to avoid being turned into five residential units by a Southampton developer.
The West Dorset of the Campaign for Real Ale [CAMRA] is objecting to the change of use, which would destroy the chances of the pub ever reopening. The application is being determined by Weymouth and Portland councillors at the Planning Committee next Wednesday morning, following a site inspection.
Wyke resident and longtime CAMRA member Alex Bardswell will address councillors to stress the need to keep the building as a public house.
“It is obvious from landlords before Punch, that the pub can be very successful,” comments Ms. Bardwell. “It’s the last pub in the old village that used to have at least four pubs. The Albert Inn should be given the opportunity to serve the community again. There were people willing to put money into saving it- but they needed a competent organiser.”
Alex Bardswell was one of many Wyke residents who pledged money to a project to buy the pub, which closed in January this year. from Punch Taverns.
CAMRA spokesman Michel Hooper-Immins says the planning application has a major flaw. “Lots of figures are submitted showing how much profit the developer hopes to make,” he says, “but no information or research is provided as to why the Albert Inn could not reopen as a pub. As the last pub in Wyke Village, the Albert has been a focus for the local community. CAMRA hates seeing any pubs close. We think an enterprising licensee could reopen the pub with new ideas and restore a much missed community hub to Wyke Village. CAMRA believes that a well-run community pub is as important to community life as a Post Office, local shop or a Community Centre.”
West Dorset CAMRA Chairman Dave Harris is still critical of the Borough Council for turning down CAMRA’s application to register the Albert Inn as an Asset of Community Value under the 2011 Localism Act in March 2013.
“It was the fear that this historic pub would be lost to Wyke village, that made us apply to register the Albert as an ACV,” comments Dave Harris, “so if the sale results in a redevelopment without a pub, then Wyke Village will have suffered a grave loss of amenity. We will fight to retain this historic Grade II building as a pub for local residents. Local pubs have been much improved by the right management- no evidence has been produced to councillors to say that cannot happen with the Albert. In neighbouring West Dorset, the District Council has prevented pubs being converted into residential housing- why should Wyke be different?”
Emily Ryans, CAMRA’s Head Office Campaigns Manager comments: “We are disappointed that Weymouth & Portland Borough Council refused to list the Albert Inn as an Asset of Community Value. The strength of feeling in the local community demonstrates just how valued the pub is. We feel the local CAMRA branch made a strong case for listing the Albert Inn and in our view, the Council’s decision to reject the nomination on the grounds that there are other pubs nearby was erroneous and misses an opportunity to act to protect a much-loved local community asset.”
Link to WPBC planning application: https://webapps.westdorset-dc.gov.uk/PlanningApps/Pages/Planning.aspx?App=WP/14/00588/FUL
Michel Hooper-Immins
