A LANDMARK Portland pub earmarked for demolition and transformation into ‘Hobbit homes’ has been saved from the bulldozer - at least temporarily - and revived for drinkers.
Despite its relaunch, the future of the site remains uncertain - although developers insist any development would include a pub on the site.
The Pulpit Inn pub has been reopened for the first time since January after a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Portland mayor Sandy West.
Nine jobs have been created with the relaunch - with its boss now looking to hire more staff ahead of the summer when an influx of visitors is expected.
Landlady Deborah O’Connor said proposals for demolition remain pending, but she hopes to stay open for ‘as long as possible’.
Ms O’Connor said: “While the plans remain pending, I’m asking the community to get behind the pub after its redevelopment over the pandemic and hope it stays open for as long as possible.”
The pub, in Southwell is a popular destination for people visiting the famous Portland Bill landmark at the isle’s southern tip.
“We’re ecstatic to fully reopen and to welcome back customers,” said Ms O’Connor.
“I’m striving to serve the community and to give the best impression to people visiting Portland Bill.
“Lockdown has given us time to redecorate inside and out, and get started on redeveloping our function suite for weddings and other events - which should be finished by next month.”
Ms O’Connor said the pub has a lot of draws to the public, including its status as Dorset’s most southern pub.
The pub boss said she is looking to hire another eight staff over the summer period and wants to add another full-time chef to its ranks.
Mrs West, who was re-elected mayor on May 5, said: “Ms O’Connor does a fabulous job representing the best of the isle. The pub is historical and iconic.
“I wish the pub and its staff the best of luck and hope the venue has a fantastic summer.”
Redtale Group and Koori first launched a consultation on plans to regenerate the pub last October.
Initial plans included the development of a cafe and bar, apartments, houses, and ‘Hobbit-style’ glamping pods cut into the sloping ground behind the pub.
A Redtale spokesman said: “The public consultation period for plans on regeneration of The Pulpit Inn site at Portland concluded on 31st October 2020.
“Subsequently we submitted a pre application to DCC and this process was concluded in January of 2021. Both the response from the public consultation and the pre-app response have now been carefully considered by the team and professional reports are being produced.
“Although we are still in the early stages of this 2nd stage of the process to regenerate the dilapidated pulpit inn site, we can confirm that all proposals being considered will incorporate a public house.”
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