Plans to rejuvenate The Boat in Erbistock backed for approval

Plans to rejuvenate a historic village pub in Wrexham look set to receive the green light.

Businessman Graham Price put forward proposals to refurbish The Boat Inn at Erbistock earlier this year after becoming co-owner of the 17th century pub.

If approved, it will result in the creation of a new bar, kitchens and toilet block, as well as the demolition and replacement of a number of outbuildings

According to planning documents, it could also see the restoration of a hand-operated chain ferry, which used to winch people across the River Dee by boat, in order to attract more customers.

The scheme has now been given a boost after being backed by officers from Wrexham Council. It comes despite objections from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), which believes the plans could cause harm to the listed building.

However, Wrexham’s chief planning officer said further information had been provided to address the issues raised.
In a report set to go before councillors today, Lawrence Isted said: “The Boat Inn is listed as a 17th Century building with 19th Century re-modelling and is located within the Erbistock Conservation Area.

“The building has most recently served as a public house and restaurant but has subsequently closed for refurbishment.

“The findings of the heritage impact assessment are accepted and therefore I am largely satisfied that the proposals will not adversely affect the special significance of the listed building or the character and appearance of the surrounding conservation area.

“The concerns detailed by SPAB earlier in this report have been considered in detail by the conservation officer and the applicant.
“Additional information has been provided in response to the objection raised.

“I am satisfied that this proposed response provides a detailed and proportional justification to the alterations that are proposed to the building.”

(Old postcards showing the ferry over the River Dee which links to The Boat Inn at Erbistock. Source: Planning document)

In a heritage assessment accompanying the application, consultant Rob Burns said there are still several elements of the original building remaining, including the 17th century door to the rear of the existing bar area.
He also said a winch previously used for the ferry still remains in place.

He said: “The Boat Inn is currently redundant following an unsuccessful trading period, and requires some further re-modelling to ensure it has a sustainable future, and the historic buildings are secured for the future.

“The property is evidence of historic, adaptive re-use of former dwellings and ancillary structures into a public house, as well as illustrating the importance of the ferry crossing over the Dee.

“The proposal is for a series of interventions within the building, and for the demolition of some of the later outbuildings and their re-provision.

“It is also proposed to re-establish the ferry connection across the river Dee.”

The proposals will be considered by planning committee members at a meeting later today.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).