Country pub in Norfolk village will not be demolished

The decision means the Decoy Tavern, on Beccles Road in Fritton, will not be demolished to make way for a development of five two-bedroom homes.

In a report published last month, the planning inspector said the facilities offered by the pub "should be retained to serve the need of the local community". 

They also said they could not be satisfied that adequate steps had been taken to market the premises.

"It has therefore not been substantively demonstrated that it is no longer feasible or viable for the premises to operate as a public house," the inspector said.

The Decoy Tavern, on Beccles Road in Fritton, pictured in August last year. (Image: Google Maps)

The planning inspector also said the proposed development would have an adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area.

The site was "not of a sufficient size to accommodate the proposed level of development", they added.

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Several villagers had objected to the plans, with some saying the Decoy Tavern was "the heart of the village".

One resident said knocking down the building would be "a tragic loss" while another wanted the village to buy the venue as a community asset.

In December 2021, when Brian Newson Developments of Caister submitted their application, they said the pub was an "ugly mess" and no longer viable.

Between 2016 and 2020, sales had fallen by more than 30pc while profit had declined by 50pc to less than £10,000, they said.

In early 2021, the pub was being marketed for £275,000 – 25pc less that the valuation five years previously. 

The developers lodged their appeal in October last year after planners at Great Yarmouth Borough Council had failed to deal with the bid within eight weeks.

A pub has been on the site since 1841 and has variously been named Pot in Hand and Bird in Hand. 

The nearest other pub is The Bell at St Olaves, less than one mile away.