Brewery plans to transform former Britannia pub

H&B applies to turn site into apartment block

A former pub in Ramsey, untouched since its closure in 2014, could soon be transformed into flats - if a planning application is successful.

The site, opposite the Manx Electric Railway Terminal, is owned by Heron and Brearley, the brewery, which wants to transform it into ten flats. 

The building itself dates back to 1847 and is said to be Ramsey's only example of Victorian Gothic architecture - previous plans to have it demolished were refused in 2021.

Pictures from inside show damage caused by a leak from the pub's flat roof.

H&B says 'existing timber roof joists, now sodden, are collapsing in places. Damp and mould is prevalent throughout the building.'

Some floors are said to be sloping, making access dangerous.

In a design statement the brewery says it would build six one-bedroom flats in the part of the building dating back to the 19th century 

Newly reconstructed extensions, however, would be needed to house three two-bedroom flats and one single-bedroom apartment.

To be granted a change of use application, the applicant has to prove that the site is no longer commercially viable, or cannot be made commercially viable.

H&B argues 'The Britannia like many Public Houses on island and further afield has suffered from dwindling trade caused by declining pub use and changing social trends. 

'The number of pubs in England and Wales has continued to fall, hitting its lowest level on record in 2022.

'More recently inflationary pressures caused by soaring energy costs have further reduced any viable hospitality options for the existing Britannia public house. 

'The Britannia has been closed now for near 10 years and unlike other rural pub closures, there are still several pubs and bars within walking distance, reducing any impact on the local community.'