New bid to convert Beer Grylls eatery in Hamble into houses

Andros Loizou has submitted another application to convert the former Beer Grylls eatery in Hamble - almost a year after his previous proposal was rejected on appeal.

Objectors include Barry Joseph-Lester, of High Street, Hamble, who has lived in the area for 40 years.

His letter to Eastleigh Borough Council says: "During this time I have seen various operators, three of which ran very successful restaurants which were a real attraction for visitors and residents. It was known as the premier restaurant in the area for many years."

New plans to turn a Hamble bar and restaurant into two houses have sparked a mixed reaction (Image: ADP Architects)

Jane Bradley, who owns the neighbouring King and Queen pub, says a proposed extension to the building will block the natural light that "floods into" her property.

Eva Annika Tomlinson, of Satchell Lane, Hamble, claims the restaurant has been left to deteriorate. She adds: "The high street needs to be alive commercially or it will turn into a sleepy accommodation area."

READ MORE: Andros Loizou submits plan to turn Beer Grylls eatery in Hamble back into two houses

Supporters of the application include Simon Coward and Sara-Louise Hulme, of Emmons Lane.

Their letter says: "There have been numerous attempts to run a restaurant business from the the building, all of which have failed."

Valerie Archibald, of Kingfisher Close, describes the "dilapidated and deteriorating" building as an eyesore.

New plans to turn a Hamble bar and restaurant into two houses have sparked a mixed reaction (Image: ADP Architects)

The council's decision to reject the previous application to convert the property into two houses was upheld on appeal in February 2024.

A government-appointed planning inspector said he had not been provided with any evidence that the building had been marketed as a commercial unit.

The inspector added: "I have some sympathy with the appellant who, it would appear, has presided over a commercial property with a high tenant turnover.

"Nevertheless, the unit has proven to be successful in the recent past, insofar as it has been occupied."

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The new application includes a marketing report that highlights the commercial sector's lack of interest in the site.

It says: "There have been several attempts by different individuals/companies to make the restaurant work but have failed for one reason or another."

A design and access statement that accompanies the latest application says the proposed conversion would respect the building's Grade II-listed status.

It adds: "The restaurant is no longer viable and has been on the market for a significant time."

Referring to the outcome of the appeal it says: "The inspector found in favour of all the appellant's arguments, with the exception that more evidence was required regarding the marketing of the site."