Green light for empty Barnstaple pub to become women’s centre

A vacant pub in Barnstaple is to be used as a women’s centre and community hub.

Planning permission has been granted for the former Watering Hole in Castle Street, which will be a joint enterprise by Encompass Southwest and North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA).

It will support local woman facing domestic abuse or homelessness or dealing with mental health issues or addiction.

The property will have offices, meeting and conferences spaces and a communal kitchen on the first floor plus a bedroom and en-suite for women needing short-term accommodation in a crisis.

An existing single storey at the back will be demolished to provide a courtyard with access onto the Cattle Market Car Park and an air source heat pump.

North Devon Council’s heritage and conservation officer has welcomed the reuse of the building.

No objections to the plans have been received.

The council’s planning committee approved the scheme with conditions to safeguard neighbours from the day-to-day use and the air source heat pump, which could create some low level noise, according to environmental health officers.

Opening hours will be limited to Mondays to Fridays 10am to 6pm and Saturdays 10am to 1pm, except for people in the short-term accommodation.

The loss of the public house was not considered by planning officers to harm the vitality of the nearby town centre and the works would provide small enhancements to the appearance of the property.

Encompass Southwest and NDADA say the hub will meet a significant community need, addressing a gap in services for women and providing them all in one central location.

Over the past three years, the organisations say they have seen an increase in the number of women accessing crisis and prevention support, but believe this is ‘just the tip of the iceberg’.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact the Devon helpline on 08082 816161 or visit ddaa.co.uk. Please don’t stay silent — support is available when you’re ready.