A campaign has been launched to save a treasured Portland pub described as a 'vital community asset' from demolition. 

As previously reported, a scheme was approved last year for the site of the Pulpit Inn at Portland Bill. It includes providing 11 holiday lets and a revamped bar-restaurant once the existing, dated, building is knocked down.

However, as the pub was recognised as an Asset of Community Value in July 2022, the community has the opportunity to buy the building and be part of developing an alternative plan for the building. 

Local groups Island Community Action group (ICA), arts festival b-side and The Portland Association subsequently launched a survey to gauge the community's interest in keeping the pub going.

Amanda Wallwork, co-artistic director at b-side, said the results of the survey revealed "overwhelming support" for the pub to be restored. 

She said: “We were quite horrified by the proposal to knock down the pub and build holiday homes.

“We are just analysing the outcomes for the survey at the moment and it has been overwhelming in terms of how many people want to save the pub and what it could be in the future."

The original proposal to demolish the pub to build holiday homes was met with dozens of objections which some claiming it would create 'an eyesore' which would impact on the Jurassic Coast. 

READ MORE: Redevelopment plan for the Pulpit Inn pub on Portland

From the results of the survey, Amanda said the groups hope to refurbish the pub into an "accessible and affordable" community owned venue. 

The plan will see the pub continue as an establishment which serves food but also adding a wildlife visitor centre so it can serve as an educational hotspot, offering activities to highlight the ecology and heritage of Portland Bill.

Pulpit Inn exteriorPulpit Inn exterior (Image: NQ)

She said: "The pub would not just offer food and drink facilities but also educational activities which would help people understand more about the landscape around Portland Bill.

"There is so much more there than people realise. We think this needs extra protection from inappropriate development." 

“We want to provide something on the island that will be an attraction for young people so they don’t have to get off the island to access educational facilities.”

The community groups have stated that they have until November 22 to submit a bid before the developer is able to sell. 

Amanda adds: “We’re looking at all opportunities and avenues at the moment.

“So many buildings on Portland have been lost for development and we don’t want to see this one go as well. We hope to pull everything together and got to come up with a business plan which suits the survey offering something which will serve the community."