Bid to convert historic pub in Boston into flats after three years of closure

Boston Borough Council is being asked to approve plans to change the use of the Robin Hood Inn, in High Street, from public house to residential.

The Grade II-listed building already houses two flats, one on the ground floor, one on the first floor; the application asks permission to convert the entire property into flats, which would take the tally to five.

Outside, the former courtyard, where there is also a pizza oven, would become an amenity area for residents, for uses such as seating or drying clothes.

Two timber buildings would be removed to increase the amount of parking, the plans add.

The Robin Hood Inn closed in early 2023; at the time, it was running at a loss, the Planning Statement notes.

“The situation has not improved for the hospitality business in the locality and nor more widely across the country,” it continues, adding that in April 2026 three public houses/restaurants closed each day across England due to high energy costs, food, and higher labour costs.

“Against this background there is no business basis for looking to reopen this premises, hence why the owner has now made the decision to look for an alternative use which would give some income and ensure the listed building is kept in a sound condition,” it says.

The building has a history dating back to the early 18th century. It is thought to have operated as a public house since 1784.

The plans note: “The loss of a public house is regrettable, but given the viability issues described in the statement, and the fact that such there are similar premises still in the near locality and in the wider urban area, then such a facility if required by the community is still available, and has not been entirely lost.”

The applicant is given as Mr R. Hancock, with R. J. Design Architecture Ltd acting as agents.