Anchor Hotel pub in Test Lane Redbridge could become flats

The city council has received an application relating to the Anchor Hotel, a Grade II-listed watering hole that has been closed for some time.

Jamba Leisure has drawn up proposals to redevelop the riverside site in Test Lane, Redbridge.

If the scheme goes ahead, the boarded-up pub will be partly demolished and then extended, with a two and three-storey addition providing a one-bedroom flat and four two-bedroom units.

The ground floor of the existing building, parts of which date from the early 1700s, will house two commercial units.

The former Anchor Hotel could be extended to provide five flats and two commercial units (Image: People Architects)

A design and access statement that accompanies the application refers to the nearby Ship Inn in Old Redbridge Road. Describing the Ship as a thriving pub, it says the local community was unable to support two watering holes.

READ MORE: Anchor pub in Test Lane, Redbridge, closes after 300 years

The statement says the interior of the Anchor is in poor condition.

It adds: "The upper floors are already used as a single large residential unit in connection with the previous usage of the pub.

"Residential usage for these floors is the most appropriate, but separated from the ground floor usage and subdivided to appropriately-sized units."

The former Anchor Hotel could be extended to provide five flats and two commercial units (Image: People Architects)

The statement says a proposed new staircase to the first and second floor flats will divide them from the commercial space below.

READ MORE: Anchor pub sails out of the doldrums after being taken over by Juliann Graham and Mark Smith

It adds: "The proposed design has responded to the site constraints, and particularly the significance of the listed building.

"The existing use as a pub and the associated dwelling above it is not viable, which led to its sale. Alternative public houses are present and so its loss does not present a loss to the local community that is not already catered for.

"Challenging constraints have been balanced to find a new usage for the site that is respectful of the listed building and its setting."

The former Anchor Hotel could be turned into five flats and two commercial units (Image: People Architects)

'Valuable residential units'

The statement says landscaping will improve the character of the site.

"The proposal offers five valuable, well considered residential units and two commercial units that safeguard the continued occupation and protection of the listed building which requires some refurbishment and ongoing maintenance.

"It is considered that this application is a positive response to the site and local community and should be supported."

The pub is situated on the banks of the River Test, directly opposite the first bridge that linked Redbridge and Totton. According to Sotonpedia, it was used by mariners and New Forest farmers taking their cattle to Southampton.

The original building was constructed in the 18th century and extended 100 years later.