A builders’ firm will soon be turning an eyesore pub in Netley into its new offices.

The Roll Call pub in Woolston Road has been shut since March 2022 when the operating lease ended, and some residents called for the conversion bid to be rejected to stop the pub from being lost.

But despite the concerns, Eastleigh Borough Council granted Venture Construction Services Ltd permission to convert the pub into an office and storage.

The firm, which specialises in refurbishments and small building works across the South Coast, submitted the application to the council in July, saying that the proposal would “ensure a long-term positive contribution to the local community”.

According to the firm, the pub has “fallen into a degree of decline, suffering vandalism and break-ins” in the last two and a half years since its closure.

“This has, in turn, attracted more unwanted attention, and the site has become an eyesore, rather than a positive and attractive ‘gateway building’,” it said.

The plan attracted 69 representations, of which 12 were in support.

Some of the concerns raised by residents were about the loss of the pub, the erection of fencing, the impact on wildlife, and the commencement of works before any planning approval has been granted.

Pete and Eileen Young objected, saying the building should remain a pub since “we are very short of good pubs”.

They added: “This was an excellent pub and served a lot of the community. Furthermore, why would this lovely pub be turned into offices? There are no businesses around, and storage for what?”

Concerns were also raised about the works at the site that had started before any planning application was granted.

With the permission granted, the pub will maintain the original external facade and the ‘Roll Call’ standing sign in its existing position on the frontage.

However, some internal changes will be made, such as removing the rear chimney, replacing the “outdated” glazed windows, and installing a new heating and cooling system.

A metal security fence and three storage containers will be installed to provide storage for “day-to-day” construction materials.