Alnwick pub Doc’s Bar set for new lease of life after renovation plans approved

Applicant Zafer Saygilier wants to redevelop Doc’s Bar which has frontages on Fenkle Street and Narrowgate.

He has received planning permission and listed building consent to use the basement and ground floor as a bar, with visitor accommodation on the first floor.

Minor alterations are proposed to reconfigure the ground floor bar area and provide improved toilet facilities.

The basement, currently used for storage only, would form part of the drinking offer with very few alterations needed.

The bar would be accessed from the central Narrowgate entrance as well as the Fenkle Street main entrance.

The upper floor of the listed building would be subdivided to provide three units of visitor accommodation. The units would be accessed from the Fenkle Street entrance and via the main stairs.

The applicant also wants to explore the possibility of an external area on the pedestrianised Narrowgate if the current trial is made permanent. However, that element is not included in the current application.

A report by Searle, on behalf of the applicant, stated: ‘‘The proposed conversion of the upper floor, to provide visitor accommodation… would reinforce the vitality and viability of the town centre… and would support the growth of tourism locally and preserve and enhance the historic town centre by delivering a sympathetic conversion of an under utilised and unoccupied upper floor.’

Building conservation objected to the initial consultation with concerns about a proposed subdivision of the first floor room overlooking Fenkle Street, the lowering of the ceiling and the closing off of the landing arch.

Following receipt of amended plans the conservation officer noted that the proposed subdivision of the first floor space has been reduced to the extent that a reasonable compromise has been reached.

There were no objections from local residents or statutory consultees.

Planning officer Jon Sharp, granting approval using delegated powers, reported: ‘The proposal is of an appropriate design and represents an appropriate form of development that would not have a significant adverse impact on the street scene or the amenity of nearby residents.’

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