Plans have been submitted to Greenwich Council to transform a vacant pub in Woolwich into a 16-room aparthotel, marking a second attempt to redevelop the site after a previous proposal was denied. The Lord Raglan pub, located at 158 Burrage Road, has been unoccupied, and the new application seeks to bring the building back into use by creating serviced accommodation that combines self-catering facilities with hotel amenities.
Second Bid for Aparthotel Conversion
This latest proposal from applicant Raglan Woolwich Ltd follows a previous application that was refused by Greenwich planners in April. The initial plan involved an 18-room complex, but concerns were raised regarding a proposed double-storey rear extension. Planners cited that the extension would not respect the character of the existing pub and its height would negatively impact three neighboring homes. The current application has been scaled back to 16 rooms, and while the applicant still intends to add an extra floor atop the two-story pub, adjustments have been made to address previous objections.
Additionally, the adjacent property at 160 Burrage Road is slated for reconfiguration to serve as living quarters for the aparthotel’s future manager. The core of the redevelopment plan remains the reopening of The Lord Raglan itself as an operational pub, integrated with the new accommodation.
Pub’s Market History and Lack of Interest
According to planning documents, The Lord Raglan was listed on the market for 16 months without attracting any formal offers to continue its operation as a traditional pub. The annual rent was set at £50,000. During its time on the market, one prospective operator expressed interest in transforming the space into a late-night shisha bar. However, the landlord deemed this unsuitable due to the predominantly residential nature of the surrounding area.
The pub generally garnered interest from parties looking to establish smaller retail businesses or pursue complete redevelopment of the property. The proposed conversion to an aparthotel is presented as a viable route to reopening the establishment, addressing the lack of interest in its traditional use.
Addressing Previous Planning Concerns
In response to the refusal of the prior application, specific modifications have been incorporated into the new design. One of the first-floor extensions has been set back to mitigate its impact on the residences at 28 to 30 Raglan Road. These adjustments aim to demonstrate greater consideration for the adjacent properties and the overall streetscape.
Planning documents submitted with the application highlight the perceived merits of the revised proposal. They state that the development is considered to be in keeping with other corner sites in the vicinity and would integrate well within its surroundings. The documents also emphasize that the proposed accommodation would directly benefit the pub operating below, ensuring its continued function. Furthermore, the aparthotel is intended to meet a local demand for temporary accommodation, particularly for professionals working in the area.
Expert Opinion on Aparthotel Benefits
Michael Penfold, director at pub property specialists AG&G, commented on the potential benefits of such a development. He expressed belief that a well-executed aparthotel, potentially with 18 bedrooms in the initial concept, could enhance the pub’s appeal. Penfold suggested that the aparthotel guests could be served by a dedicated food and beverage offering within the pub, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two elements of the business.
Penfold also noted that the landlord had indicated plans to address the previous concern about the lack of living accommodation directly above the pub. This would be achieved by offering a two-bedroom house located next door, at 160 Burrage Road, for lease to any new tenant taking on the pub operation. This provision aims to ensure that the pub manager has suitable on-site or nearby accommodation.
Local Need and Future Prospects
The planning application asserts that the proposed aparthotel would fulfill a specific local need. The area is understood to attract professionals who require short-term or temporary lodging, and the aparthotel concept is designed to cater to this demographic. By redeveloping the vacant pub and adding serviced accommodation, the applicant aims to create a viable business that contributes positively to the local area, both economically and by bringing a disused building back into use.
The application, reference number 26/1669/F, is available for public viewing on the Greenwich Council’s planning portal. The outcome will depend on the council’s assessment of the revised plans against local planning policies and the impact on the surrounding community.
