Plans lodged to convert Northumberland pub into visitor accommodation
A village pub on the Northumberland coast could be converted into guest accommodation.
Plans have been lodged for the redevelopment of The Blue Bell Inn in Embleton. The pub ceased trading in September 2024.
An application by Cullercoats-based Tim Unwin seeks permission to convert the ground floor to guest bedrooms and operate the Grade II listed property as short-term visitor accommodation.
A planning report on the applicant’s behalf states: “The building has historically functioned as a public house, later incorporating restaurant use and upper-floor bed-and-breakfast accommodation. It has been closed for several months, creating a risk of vacancy-related deterioration.
“The proposal involves no increase in floorspace and no extensions. The amount of development is limited to internal reconfiguration of the existing ground floor to provide guest bedrooms and associated facilities. The upper floors, previously used for guest accommodation, remain unchanged.
“The proposed use as short-term visitor accommodation represents an evolution rather than a radical change in use.
“While the public bar use will cease, the proposal retains the building’s broader hospitality function and ensures its ongoing contribution to village life.”
Supporting documents argue the Blue Bell is no longer commercially viable in its existing form as a public house with letting rooms.
The property has been openly marketed since May 2025 but there is said to have been minimal interest and no viable offers.
“The existing commercial use of the Blue Bell is no longer viable,” concludes the report. “The lack of interest, combined with long-term vacancy and operational decline, supports the planning case for change of use or redevelopment.”