PLANS have been announced to list an Isle of Wight pub on the market as a community asset – potentially paving the way for a community bid in the future.

MP Bob Seely says he is keen to get The Sun Inn, which is currently up for sale, listed as an asset of community value.

This is to secure its future as a rural pub, making it more difficult for it to be converted into a private house.

The Hulverstone pub, between Brook and Brighstone, is on the Isle of Wight property market with Gully Howard estate agents.

For sale, with offers invited in the region of £29,995 leasehold, as well as goodwill, fixtures, fittings plus stock at valuation, and an annual rent of £85,000, this is the closest pub to Compton Bay, near the Military Road.

The original thatched building is thought to date back some 600 years and an ale house was on this site in 1816.

Isle of Wight County Press: MP Bob Seely outside The Sun Inn.MP Bob Seely outside The Sun Inn. (Image: Bob Seely)

“I believe there is strong local support for such a measure,” says Mr Seely.

“Potentially, it would in time also help clear the way for a community bid for the pub.

“The formal request for listing as an asset of community value has to come from an organisation or the Parish Council.

“Cllr John Nicholson, the Island head of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), has kindly offered to make the request if need be, but I am asking firstly Brighstone Parish Council, as the elected body, to do so.

“I have offered to write the justification which will need to accompany the request.

“We are not legally obliged to present a petition, but a local show of support for the Sun Inn campaign will definitely strengthen our case with the Isle of Wight Council, which will need to agree the bid.

“I've spoken to the chief executive of the Isle of Wight Council and the council is now expecting the request.

“I have also spoken to Brook councillor Cllr Roy Haviland, and he has promised to speak to the committee of Seely Hall, Brook, to see if they would also be supportive.

“I also spoke with Hulverstone and Brook residents.

“I, and others, strongly believe that the pub could/should be a viable and popular business.

“Brighstone Parish Council meets this Wednesday.”