The Hope, Chichester

Full site redevelopment: The Hope was identified as an underperforming asset. Cordage secured planning permission to convert the pub into a CO-OP convenience store with two residential apartments above—transforming the site into a long-term investment opportunity while ensuring its continued use and value to the community.

The Crown, Fordham

Part site development: The Crown in Fordham was identified as an asset with surplus land that offered potential for a higher alternative use value.

Planning permission was secured within just four months, and the onward sale was completed only four weeks after approval. The client was able to unlock and realise additional value from their existing asset in just six months.

Selsey Tram, Chichester

Full site redevelopment: The Selsey Tram, formerly a pub occupying a large underutilised plot, was transformed through a comprehensive new-build scheme delivering 10 family homes, a Co-op store, and 12 modern apartments. The project created a sustainable long-term investment, enhanced local amenities, and ensured the site remained in active, productive use.

The Crane, Hayes

Full site development: The Crane, a former pub later used as a curry house, was located on the A126 near Hayes. With a large car park and strong links to Central London and Heathrow, the derelict site offered solid redevelopment potential.

A positive pre-application response supported a three-storey residential scheme with a 1.3:1 parking ratio. We secured approval for the loss of commercial use, enabling delivery of 27 high-quality 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes.

Ley Street, Ilford

Full site development: We transformed a row of dilapidated garages in central Ilford, London, into nine high-quality flats with associated amenity space, cycle parking, landscaping, and waste storage.

This desirable location is within walking distance of the Elizabeth Line, offering quick and easy access to central London. It provides an ideal setting for young professionals working in the city.

Horseshoe Inn, Hailsham

Full site development: Located in a desirable village, the site comprised a large, rundown pub with strong underlying value. Although situated in the countryside under the Core Strategy, the plot was 100% brownfield. The Herstmonceux Neighbourhood Plan supported windfall development beyond the defined settlement boundary, and the emerging Local Plan proposed designating Windmill Hill as a Local Settlement with a windfall allowance of 20 dwellings.

With in-principle support from the local council, we identified a clear opportunity and secured planning permission for the demolition of the existing pub and the development of 9 high-quality semi-detached and detached homes.

Gate, Saffron Walden

Full site development: This detached restaurant in the affluent town of Saffron Walden included a generous rear car park and sat in a strong residential context. Part of the original pub land, located across the road, had already been sold and developed into housing, setting a clear precedent.

Planning permission was secured for a full site redevelopment comprising five new homes—a mix of three detached houses and one pair of semi-detached units.

Five Bells, Great Cornard

Part site development: This well-located pub in Great Cornard, just south of Sudbury, sat on a generous plot with a large car park and an extensive rear beer garden. Recognising the potential of the underutilised space, we brought forward a part-site development comprising four semi-detached bungalows.

The site fell within the defined Urban Area—earmarked for new development in the Core Strategy—and was surrounded by existing residential properties, making it a logical and policy-supported choice. A reconfigured beer garden was created to the rear of the pub, and parking was rationalised from approximately 25 spaces to 16, maintaining pub functionality while unlocking residential value.

Dog & Partridge,
Great Leighs

Part site development: This site comprised a detached pub in Great Leighs, just off the A131. Within the defined settlement boundary and designated a Key Defined Settlement in the Local Plan, it benefited from a presumption in favour of sustainable development.

Surrounded by detached homes and recent new-builds, the setting provided strong design cues for a sympathetic scheme. Permission was secured for two detached dwellings in the pub's beer garden. The car park was retained, while the garden was reduced and separated from the pub with dedicated access.

Sir Robert, Ellesmere Port

Full site development: This site was a run-down estate pub in Ellesmere Port trading poorly, a TAW in situ and 10 other pubs within 1 mile. Local values were low and whilst there was a co-op/Tesco nearby we had interest from Heron.

Our successful application took a run-down underperforming pub and negotiated a letting to Heron Foods, creating a blue-chip investment property for our Clients. The new store with associated plant, delivery bay, parking and landscaping has brought much needed choice to the area as well as a fantastic investment opportunity.

Horse & Harrow, Hagbourne

Full site development: Our proposal redeveloped a former public house into residential use, alongside three new dwellings—two on underutilised land across the road and one on a former outdoor seating area. The scheme constituted infill, filling a small gap in an otherwise continuous built frontage.

The main challenge was the change of use, which faced strong local objections despite the pub’s minimal use. The initial application was refused at committee, but we secured approval at appeal and later gained a successful committee outcome on resubmission.

Plough, Bury St Edmunds

Full site redevelopment: The Plough, a former public house in Bury St Edmunds, was successfully transformed into a characterful five-bedroom family home.

This underutilised asset was reimagined with a clear commercial strategy, delivering significant uplift from its original pub valuation. The project showcases how thoughtful planning, experienced insight, and strategic execution can unlock hidden value and maximise Highest Alternative Use Value in redundant buildings.

Above Bar, Southampton

Full site redevelopment: This project involved the conversion of office space into 17 spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments above two compact commercial units, centrally located on Above Bar in Southampton. The rear of the property enjoys attractive park views, adding unique appeal in an urban setting.

These well-proportioned apartments offer rare city-centre living—just a short walk from Southampton’s top amenities, cultural attractions, nightlife, and excellent transport links.

Anchor Stratford St Mary

Part site development: This site had a nice pub that had an average turnover and that could use some investment. In order to unlock some capital to reinvest in the pub we submitted planning for a piece of large unused land to the rear of the site. The site was within an AONB, a conservation area and other local policies for open space protection.

Cordage secured planning for a part-site scheme of 2×3-bed semi detached homes, 2×3-bed bungalows, and 1×3-bed detached with access via the pub car park. The pub stayed open throughout, allowing Punch to reinvest and secure its future.

Past Projects