ONE of the town’s most historic pubs is set to be turned into a residential building with a shop.

The pub, which was most recently known as 12 Bar, is in Westcott Place and closed down last December.

It will now be turned in 11 besdsits and one commercial property. There will also be space for bikes to be stored.

Controversially, there will be no extra parking spaces despite the demands of neighbours.

The venue is a Victorian property and was known for its live music as a venue for up-and-coming local bands.

It was bought by Chris James Homes, which commissioned a marketing report to see if the property had any life left in it as a pub.

In a report, David Newport, of Hinton Newport, said: “I can confirm that there was very little interest from actual pub operators and indeed, the only proceedable offers that we received were for alternative uses either to split the property into residential multi occupancy or flats and houses.

“Bearing in mind the property’s position in a mixed residential area and indeed the size of the property, it makes sense to convert this to flats and living accommodation.”

As part of the agreement, once the property has reached full occupancy the developers must pay 15 per cent profits to the council as part of a section 106 agreement. This money will then be used to improve the area.

During the consultation period, there were a number of objections from residents over the lack of car parking spaces. They said there are already very few spaces in the area, with residents having to purchase permits.

Plans were altered during the consultation but the only change made was to include an extra parking bay for deliveries to the commercial property, the occupier of which has not been decided.

Graham Woodward, of Nelson Street, contacted the consultation to say: “Are we to be expected to believe that all the new residents of these proposed flats will be bicycle owners only, and will not require residents parking permits’?”