Plans submitted to revive Eldon Arms pub with new homes

Plans have been submitted to Portsmouth City Council by PLC Architects, on behalf of NM projects, to open the Southsea Pub on Eldon Street once again.

The proposal involves retaining the pub on the ground floor and creating two self-contained flats on the first floor above it, as well as two new neighbouring houses.

The pub, which dates back to 1899 and was designed by local architect A.E Guy, reopened in July 2023 after an extensive refurbishment but closed in February last year, blaming rising energy costs.

It is known for its distinctive green-tiled exterior, spacious bar, and garden.

Minimal exterior work, such as replacement windows and doors, is proposed. However, internal works include reinstating a party wall to allow for two two-bedroom houses.

Planning documents state that the proposal “represents a sensitive and sustainable reuse of the Eldon Arms Public House. By retaining the pub, introducing high-quality residential accommodation, and preserving the building’s historic character.”

There are two letters of support from local residents, one states: “In the main we are in support of this proposal. The pub and decorative frontage must be kept, cleaned and repaired. A smaller pub should be a much more successful enterprise. Returning the two houses is a good move for the area.”

Another added: “Having lived next door to this pub for 13 years I must have seen more than a dozen landlords come and go and it was always the same issue. The pub was just too large and expensive to ever turn a profit.

“This is a great scheme that reduces the pub to it’s original size making it much more cost effective to run whilst offering up much needed housing.

“In the current economic climate this is a very sensible use of the building that has been sat empty for more than a year!”

Residents can view and comment on the application using the planning reference 26/00108/FUL.