New pub in former Helston shop?

1:46pm Thursday 1st May 2008

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A new pub could be opening in Helston, if plans to convert a vacant town centre shop are given the go-ahead.

Planning permission is being sought for the change of use of the former Togs clothes shop in Church Street into a public house.

Helston landowner David Martin, who is behind the project, said the plan was to open a freehouse that was not tied to the demands of any brewery.

"I am of the opinion that pubs are not doing that well because of the way the breweries treat them," he said. "It seems the more money they make the more they put the rent up. Running a freehouse you can be much more competitive."

Mr Martin said the Church Street project was a joint venture with well-known Helston businessman John Nesbit, who has applied for a licence for the new hostelry.

If the planning was approved, he added, work on the premises was likely to take around six months to complete.

The proposal is due to be discussed by members of the Helston town council planning committee at a meeting at the Guildhall tomorrow night.