Dorset pub to be demolished for supermarket

CAMRA's Andy Brown and landlord Dave Braddock at the Royal Oak

A Dorset pub nominated for a top industry award is due to be demolished as part of plans for a new supermarket.

The Royal Oak in Kinson, Wimborne, is among four pubs nominated for the regional Campaign for Real Ale's (Camra) Pub of the Year award.

The pub is already collecting a Camra award on Saturday after being named Winter Pub of the Season by the East Dorset branch.

Landowner Hill Richmond Ltd told the BBC the land is to be redeveloped.

"The area has been earmarked by Bournemouth council for a supermarket and convenience shops, with an additional 150 car parking spaces," said a statement, adding that plans are to be revealed shortly.

"We are sorry that the pub land is needed to carry out the essential highways improvements for this redevelopment, but we hope that our scheme will help regenerate the Kinson area for the benefit of local people, who will not have to travel further afield for their weekly shop," said Martin Burke, director of HHRL.

A row of local shops which currently sits behind the pub will be offered alternative retail units, he added.

'Good will'

Andy Brown, chair of the East Dorset branch of Camra, said he believed the pub could co-exist with such a development.

"We at Camra have had a look at the plans and found a way we could have the supermarket and the pub at the same time, it just needs a bit of good will from the developers," he said.

"It could be bit of a coup for the supermarket to have a pub on their doorstep."

Mr Brown said that the Royal Oak had won the seasonal award for being "a great community pub".

"It's an all round package - the beer is very important, the quality of beer, the atmosphere, the friendliness of staff, the whole pub experience," he said.

"It's been on our radar for the last few years."