Amber Taverns wants to open pub at Gosport Conservative Club

Gosport has lost several pubs in the past few years, but Amber Taverns aims to buck the trend by providing the town with a new watering hole.

The long-established club closed in February after being hit by falling membership and rising costs.

A planning statement that accompanies the application to convert the building says: "Amber Taverns currently operates 172 public houses. These are mainly community locals in busy towns as well as some city centre venues.

"Amber Taverns are passionate about public houses and the communities they serve.

"Rather than just purchasing existing pubs, Amber Taverns invests heavily in restoring and creating new premises that are often in conservation areas or listed buildings."

Plans to turn Gosport Conservative Club into a pub have been submitted by Amber Taverns (Image: Newsquest)

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The statement says the proposed conversion will involve only limited changes to the outside of the building, which dates from 1914.

It adds: "Internally, there will be a central bar area, behind which will be the serving area and glass-wash area. A lounge area will be located on the left side of the building with a dedicated darts area.

"The former snooker room will be utilised as a cellar/bottle storage area, with a lift/cellar hoist connecting to the glass-wash area.

"The former committee room will be transformed into a manager’s office and associated storage area.

"The applicant will not serve food other than basic bar snacks, with no cooking or heating required. As such, there is no requirement for kitchen extraction equipment which may affect the external appearance of the building."

Plans to turn Gosport Conservative Club into a pub have been submitted by Amber Taverns (Image: Newsquest)

The scheme aims to boost the area by breathing new life into an existing licensed premises.

"The proposed development will deliver a significant investment locally, re-purposing and enhancing the vacant unit through internal changes, while also creating a number of part-time and full-time jobs.

"The applicants are established public house operators who have an excellent track record of delivering high quality public houses across the UK.

"The proposals look to discourage anti-social behaviour and 'design-out' crime, both internally and externally.

"The drinking establishment will benefit from CCTV coverage inside and outside the premises. Internally, the layout allows for members of staff to see across the premises with no blind spots not covered by CCTV.

"Overall, the significant investment and associated works will radically uplift the appearance of the building.

"It is considered that the proposals promote a high level of design that will uplift the current visual appearance, securing the long-term use of this site."