Fears town’s 'last Regency inn’ will be shut by plans

CHELTENHAM’S “last remaining Regency inn” faces an uncertain future as “terrible” plans to turn most of it into flats have been approved.

- CARMELO GARCIA Local Democracy Reporter

Publican Chris Evans, 79, who runs ‘The Bell Inn in Bath Road, says he was surprised by the latest proposals for the historic building, which was built in 1809.

Borough planners have granted permission for pub owner Peter Glanville’s latest scheme to convert 70 Bath Road into three flats - one studio flat, a one-bed flat and a two-bed maisonette with a courtyard garden.

“It's terrible,’ Mr Evans said, who is proud to have been running a successful establishment for more than 30 years.

“This is the last remaining Regency inn in Cheltenham.

“We do drinks, food and accommodation, which is what an inn is supposed to do. And this is the only remaining one that carries on like that.

“It’s not failing, it was heaving in here last weekend. I’ve got five part-time staff, my wife and I live here and have done for 30 years.”

‘Mr Evans said his patrons, who are mostly from St Luke's, are totally against the proposals.

“When the first lot of plans were put in we got over 750 signatures against the development,’ he said.