A PUB that was sealed up when permission to demolish it was refused has been branded a ‘ticking timebomb’ after vandals broke in and wrecked the place.
Last orders were called on the Boslowick Inn, affectionately known as “The Bosi”, in Falmouth back in October 2021 and the site was bought by Odo Developments (Cornwall) Ltd.
The pub was sealed up tight with steel shutters and the building was left.
The company applied to demolish the pub off Prislow Lane in 2022 and build ten homes on the site, but this was refused by Cornwall Council.
The developer appealed and this was also refused by a planning inspector in March 2023.
During this time the shutters were peeled back and people broke in. Recent pictures published on social media show the inside of the building wrecked and covered in graffiti. There was also evidence that people had set things on fire.
One former regular at the pub told the Packet it was a disgrace that such an historic building had been left to go to rack and ruin.
“A fair bit of the damage looks like it has been in done by vandals since the lower boards to secure the building have failed,” he said.
“I really do think the majority of damage has been done by someone using tools as to be honest it looks like a wrecking crew has been through the building in places.
“A great shame to see it like this. The building is holding on but i just can't see it lasting much longer if it’s left open for all to get in.”
He added: “I really think someone should seal that place. It's a [ticking] timebomb waiting to go up. There are already signs someone tried to burn it the way it is at the moment. It only takes one lunatic to succeed.”
The Boslowick Inn closed in October 2021 and plans to build ten homes on the site were submitted shortly after.
Cornwall Council’s central sub-area planning committee refused the application saying it was concerned about the loss of the pub as an historic asset.
Council planning officers had recommended that the plans be approved stating that attempts to sell the pub as a going concern had not attracted any offers.
The developer appealed but that was also refused.
The building was originally built by the Falmouth lawyer, James Bull and dates back to the 18th century. James was a son of the famous Packet captain, John Bull.
There is some suggestion that the internal features may contain panelling from the famous Duke of Marlborough Packet ship.
The Packet has tried to track down the developer Odo Developments (Cornwall) Ltd based in Margate to find out was happening with the building but has not yet had any success.
According to Companies House, the company failed to file its accounts in July 2023 shortly after the appeal was refused.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here