Southampton: East Street's Anchor pub set to be transformed

An unnamed charity has received consent to convert The Anchor in East Street into a site for non-residential education.

The city council has approved the proposal after concluding there was little prospect of the pub ever reopening.

The charity's application said: "The existing ground floor commercial unit has been vacant and fallen into disrepair over the years.

"It currently detracts from the street scene and does not contribute positively whatsoever to the area.

"To bring the commercial element of this building back to life, it is proposed a change of use... where it is envisaged a local charity will operate from."

Plans to convert the former Anchor pub in East Street, Southampton, into an educational facility have been approved (Image: Newsquest)

A council report added: "It is considered that the loss of the public house is a material factor against the change of use of the building.

"However, the building appears to have been empty since around 2014. It is considered, based on the passage of time, that there is little prospect of the building coming back into use as a public house.  

"Policy CS11 of the Core Strategy supports the development of educational facilities.

"The applicant has confirmed that the use proposed would support the delivery of additional tuition for those in education.

"The provision of an educational facility of this nature, whilst not a traditional school use, is considered to be a material factor in favour of the principle of the change of use."

READ MORE: Former Southampton pub set to become educational site for charity

The report said the proposed new educational facility would be less noisey than the pub.

It also said the facility would have less impact on a flat on the upper floors than the building's previous use. 

Plans to convert the former Anchor pub in East Street, Southampton, into an educational facility have been approved (Image: Newsquest)

Addressing the lack of on-site parking, the report added "The proposal is located within the city centre and therefore is highly accessible by non-car modes of transport.

"Parking is available in the nearby multi-storey car park in Eastgate Street for those unable to use public transport or cycle.

"Based on the limited prospect of the building coming back into use and the benefit of an educational facility in a sustainable location the proposal is considered to be acceptable in principle.

"The proposal would not harm the character or amenity of the area.

"It is considered that on balance the loss of the public house is acceptable on the basis that the proposed use would serve a community benefit."

The report said the mock Tudor building was probably constructed in the 1920s.