Time is running out for residents fighting to save a much-loved Wells pub from being turned into housing — with just days left to tell planners exactly what they think.

The Britannia Inn is at the centre of a fierce row after developers submitted plans to convert it into a four-bed home and build four new houses in its garden. The pub has already been shut for more than three years, and villagers fear this could be the final blow.

Locals say losing The Brit would rip the heart out of the community — but the developer, The Wellington Pub Company Limited, claims the site is no longer viable. In documents sent to Somerset Council, they call the plan a "modest, high-quality" redevelopment and insist there is "no likelihood of a viable community use".

They argue the pub was marketed for more than two years, with the asking price cut from £350,000 to £300,000, but still failed to attract a buyer.

Campaigners say that's nonsense. The East Wells Community Benefit Society (EWCBS), set up in 2024 after fears the pub would be lost forever, says the venue can absolutely thrive — and they're already proving it.

A community share offer has raised nearly a quarter of the £350,000 needed to buy and renovate the pub, with a second fundraising round now underway.

They say every penny raised is being "ring-fenced and refunded in full" if the sale can't go ahead.

Their campaign has gathered huge local backing, with packed public meetings, quiz nights and even a song — Remember the Britannia Inn, written by committee member Mark O'Callaghan — set for release to rally support.

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But the clock is now ticking loudly.

The planning application sets out that the pub's main building would be converted into a home, with rear extensions demolished. Four new semi-detached houses would then be squeezed into the garden, accessed via the existing car park. Developers say the scheme will "respect local character" and cut the risk of late-night disturbance.

Residents say it's nothing but a land grab — and warn the loss of The Brit would leave more than 6,000 people without a local pub or meeting space.

Now campaigners are urging people across Wells to flood the planning portal with objections before it's too late.

The full plans can be viewed under reference 2025/1762/FUL on the Somerset Council Planning Portal.

Comments close on Wednesday, 26 November.

The community campaign can be followed at www.savethebritanniainnwells.org.

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