Plans revealed to demolish and redevelop the Pulpit Inn
The site could be turned into a cafe-bar and housing.
Last updated 24th Sep 2020
A landmark pub on Portland Bill could be demolished to make way for a new cafe-bar and housing.
Developers Koori Ltd say the Pulpit Inn is no longer commercially viable and many parts of the building are outdated and in need of work.
Residents are being given the chance to have their say on the plans via an online consultation due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
If the plans go ahead, they'll also reposition the car park to maximise views of the Bill available from the building.
It's hoped a new building would help attract more tourists to the area by creating a café restaurant that can serve food and drink throughout the day - something they say isn't currently possible.
Malcolm Curtis is the managing director for developers Redtale and Koori. He said:
"This is a regeneration project, this is not just a 'knock over and build some houses' - this is very much about regeneration.
"The Pulpit sits on a fantastic location. The Pulpit area is one of the jewells of the Jurassic Coast.
"350,000 visitors go to Portland a year, and a lot of them go to Portland Bill and they're not serviced very well."
But, why not simply adapt the current buidling? Developers say the building isn't insulated, has rotting windows and struggles to meet fire regulations.
"It's coming to the end of it's natural life", said Malcolm.
Demolishing the building will allow them to bring it up to date and change it to meet the changing demands from customers.
'New Homes'
Proposals also include plans for 9 residential units, including both houses and flats above the café
The online consultation includes three possible renditions of these homes which are all designed to keep in line with the bill's architectural character.
'Camping'
Developers are also proposing a lot for camping in a field to the north of the building, to encourage more tourists to stay in the area.
There have been concerns about a rise in campers staying on Portland in areas that are not designated for camping.
The area developers want to use is surrounded by a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
"Having people camping in those locations is going to be emotive to some people and it is protected, so there is an argument to say 'No there shouldn't be any camping there and it should be protected'.
"But, within the neighbourhood plan there is an objective to proovide camping because these tourists are coming and at the moment they are wild camping."
"This looks to manage that and service that need, and turn a negative into a positive."
Developers are inviting public feedback on all parts of the redevelopment and you've got until the end of October to give your view.
'How to have your say'
The consultation process is being held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and you can find the full details here: https://publications.thepulpit.co.uk/pulpit/the-pulpit?pid=MTA108510&p=3&v=6.1