The Bay Tree pub in Castle Cary, Somerset, owned by councillor Kevin Messenger, is set to be transformed into a private home following unanimous approval of redevelopment plans. The Grade II listed building, situated on South Street at the town’s southern entrance, has been closed since October 2025. Efforts to sell the pub, including a marketing campaign by Cooper and Tanner with a guide price of £465,000, failed to attract any viable buyers.
Somerset Council’s southern planning committee, responsible for major applications in the former South Somerset area, approved the proposal to convert the pub into a dwelling. The committee concluded that Castle Cary maintains a sustainable night-time economy without the pub’s operation. The property is located within the town’s conservation area, near the cemetery and close to a recently approved residential development of 46 homes.
The closure of the pub was attributed to declining trade, rising operational costs, and changing customer habits. The redevelopment plans include only minor alterations to preserve the historic character and appearance of the building while improving accessibility for future residents.
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Councillor Messenger, who holds one of the two Liberal Democrat seats for Castle Cary, did not participate in the committee’s discussions due to his involvement as the property owner. The planning meeting took place in Yeovil on 15 September.
Councillor Tom Power (Conservative, Wincanton and Bruton) expressed support for the conversion, noting the increasing rarity of pubs in rural locations but observing that Castle Cary already has two established pubs. Councillor Stephen Page (Liberal Democrat, Somerton) concurred, highlighting the property’s less central location and the owner’s unsuccessful efforts to sell over the preceding years. He reminded the committee that the town centre hosts two pubs, one currently being refurbished, alongside numerous cafés and restaurants.
After around 20 minutes of debate, the planning committee granted unanimous approval for the change of use, marking the end of the Bay Tree as a public house and its transition into a private residence.