A former bar and restaurant in Hamble will be converted into two homes despite fears over the impact on a nearby pub.

The former bar and grill restaurant Beer Grylls on Rope Walk, Hamble, has been closed for over two years despite being in the market.

Eastleigh Borough Council refused previous planning applications due to insufficient on-site parking, which would result in overspilled parking into surrounding streets.

But a new application, submitted in December 2024, proposed the same use and layout for the building as previous applications but was approved.

It aimed to convert the site, made up of two grade II-listed buildings at the waterfront just off the High Street, into two homes. Plans showed one would have two bedrooms and the other four bedrooms, turning it back into its original residential use.

The proposal also includes a new two-storey rear extension, alterations to the existing raised decking, and forming a communal amenity courtyard at the rear.

However, councillors at a decision-making meeting heard warnings that extending the building would impact the neighbouring building, The King and Queen Pub.

At Eastleigh Borough Council’s Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice and Hound local area committee (March 27), Janet Bradley, owner of the neighbouring King and Queen Public House pub, told members that she supports the change of use to the buildings as “something needs to be done” since it has been in a “terrible state”.

However, she said the extension would block the only window in that wall, preventing it from receiving sunlight.

Mrs Bradley said: “I don’t think any of the officers have been in my building to see the effect that double-storey wall would have on the inside of my pub.

“I’ve only got one window, which is a Victorian sash window, which brings daylight, sunlight. It’s the only window.

“If this is built, there would be a great wall a couple of metres from my lovely sash Victorian window. It’s my only natural source of light in the pub. If it goes ahead, it would be like putting a shutter close all day long in the building.”

Mrs Bradley added that whilst they are “very happy” about the plan, it mustn’t affect her building.

She added: “That window has been there since the early 1800s. Never not had light coming. I’m appealing to my right of light.”

The council said that in planning policies, the right of light only applies to residential properties and does not exist on commercial properties.

At the meeting, the applicant recognised the concerns and agreed to include an extra window to the new wall to mitigate the effects of the new wall on the pub.