The fight to save The Britannia Inn, the only pub serving East Wells and surrounding villages, has reached a pivotal moment as locals push to bring the historic establishment into community ownership.
The pub faces conversion into housing following a planning proposal submitted by Wellington Pub Company Limited to Somerset Council. Their plan involves transforming the two-storey pub building into a private four-bedroom home, alongside constructing four new semi-detached houses in the garden, accessed via the existing car park.
Described in planning documents as a “modest, high-quality” redevelopment of previously developed land, the site has been closed since June 2021. The applicant contends the pub is no longer commercially viable despite marketing efforts over more than two years, which lowered the guide price from £350,000 to £300,000. A viability report claims there is “no likelihood of a viable community use” and notes that no formal offer was made by the local community group during the six-month moratorium period after its designation as an Asset of Community Value in January 2023.
READ MORE: Newcastle Red Bulls Eye Bath Rugby Centre Chris Harris for Return
READ MORE: Amazon Shoppers Rave About Affordable Dehumidifier That Costs Just 5p Per Hour to Run
However, the East Wells Community Benefit Society (EWCBS) strongly disputes this. Established in 2024 in response to residents’ concerns about losing an essential social hub, the group believes The Britannia Inn — affectionately known as “The Brit” — can flourish again under resident management. Their goal is to restore it as a welcoming community space for the area, home to more than 6,000 people.
Fundraising efforts have gained momentum, with the first share offer raising nearly a quarter of the £350,000 target needed to purchase and refurbish the pub. A second share offer is now open, welcoming minimum investments of £50. The society assures investors that all funds will be safeguarded and refunded if the purchase does not proceed.
In addition to fundraising, EWCBS has actively engaged the community through public meetings and quiz nights. A song and video titled “Remember the Britannia Inn,” created by committee member Mark O’Callaghan, will also be released to raise awareness.
If approved, the developers’ plan would convert the existing main building into a single residence while demolishing rear extensions to accommodate four new homes in the garden. They argue this respects local character, minimizes late-night disturbances, and efficiently uses brownfield land in line with planning policies.
The campaign to save the pub reflects a wider community determination to preserve vital shared spaces and resist unsympathetic development.