A beloved Somerset pub near the A303 will be reduced in size as part of its beer garden is set to make way for new housing. The Podymore Inn and Steakhouse, located in the village of Podimore just south of the dualled A303 section between Podimore and Sparkford roundabouts, will lose a portion of its outdoor space to accommodate a new four-bedroom home.
Ipswich-based Red Oak Taverns Ltd sought planning permission to build the house on the eastern end of the pub’s beer garden, close to the local bus stop. Despite worries about potential flooding and the impact on the community, Somerset Council has approved the plans, paving the way for construction to possibly start by late spring.
The new residence will use the existing access point from Podimore Road, with three of the current parking spaces reallocated for residents. The pub will keep its remaining parking spaces to the west and retain a portion of the beer garden and the children’s play area to the north.
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During the planning committee meeting in Yeovil on December 16, 2025, local councillors voiced strong concerns. Councillor Henry Hobhouse highlighted the serious flooding issues in Podimore, recalling a May 2023 incident when the road was submerged under two feet of water, narrowly missing flooding the pub itself. He criticized the lack of consultation with relevant drainage and highway authorities, emphasizing the risks for future residents potentially being isolated during floods.
Councillor Kevin Messenger voiced worries about the loss of pub parking, stressing the challenges pubs face today and the possible negative impact on the village. Councillor Tim Kerley noted that the pub landlord had resigned after learning about the housing proposal, hinting at concerns about the pub’s viability.
Conversely, Councillor Martin Wale viewed the development as a natural step forward for the village and saw no planning grounds to refuse the application.
After approximately thirty minutes of discussion, the committee voted 8-3 in favor of the housing plans, with one abstention, allowing the project to proceed despite the community’s mixed feelings.