A Cheltenham publican has voiced frustration with the Liberal Democrats over their perceived lack of support in safeguarding the town’s last remaining Regency inn from residential development.
In October, borough planners approved plans to convert the Bell Inn on Bath Road into three flats, while retaining a portion of the ground floor for commercial use or a pub. Landlord Chris Evans, 79, called the decision “terrible,” emphasizing the importance of the inn’s accommodation to his business.
Evans has recently criticized a leaflet from the Cheltenham Liberal Democrats claiming that MP Max Wilkinson is a “long-term backer of Cheltenham’s brilliant pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels.” Although Wilkinson offered support via email, Mr. Evans says he did not respond.
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Despite this, Evans argues that the Lib Dem-run council approved plans that threaten the future of the Bell Inn. He highlights that none of the Liberal Democrat councillors representing his area have publicly backed the campaign to save the pub.
The initial petition to protect the Bell Inn gathered nearly 800 signatures from people across political affiliations, including Liberals, Greens, and others. Evans insists that the matter should not be politicized: “All I’m trying to do is keep open the only remaining Regency inn fully operational in Cheltenham. It was built in 1809, for God’s sake. You can’t keep destroying the town.”
Reflecting on changes in the local pub industry since he took over the Bell Inn in the 1990s, Evans notes a decline in lunchtime patrons due to shifts in work patterns but remains optimistic about the business, which offers a bar, weekend food service, Sunday lunches, and accommodation. “It’s amazing how many visitors appreciate finding a real, proper pub near the town centre,” he said.
Cheltenham Borough Council acknowledges Mr. Evans’ disappointment with the planning decision. The application was approved by officers without being called to the planning committee by local councillors.
Councillor Mike Collins (Lib Dem, Benhall, The Reddings and Fiddler’s Green), cabinet member for planning and building control, stated that the council followed all proper procedures. He explained that while rural and village pubs receive certain protections in planning policy, these do not extend to town centre pubs where multiple options exist.
Although the Bell Inn has been granted asset of community value status, Collins clarified that it will not continue to operate solely as a pub.
The Cheltenham Liberal Democrats were contacted for comment.