Pub's future still uncertain as civic chiefs reject development plans (From This is Hampshire)
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Pub's future still uncertain as civic chiefs reject development plans
5:34pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News
Officers said planning chiefs should reject the application to build homes around the pub
THE future of a Meon Valley pub remains in doubt after councillors rejected proposals for a housing scheme.
The Prince of Wales in Shirrell Heath has been up for sale since October last year, but so far remains unused.
Developers proposed building three new houses and landscaping around the pub, providing a new car park for its patrons.
But the council received eight letters objecting to the proposals, ranging from concern at encroachment into the adjacent meadow, to the danger to children from the cars accessing the new car park. There was also dissatisfaction that developers have not indicated what will happen to the pub itself.
But officers said planning chiefs should reject the application as the development would be intrusive and visually damaging. They also argued that the proposals failed to provide adequate recreation space for residents.
Councillor Angela Clear said: “I would love to see that pub come back but I still have to agree with the officers recommendations on this one.”
The pub near Bishop's Waltham initially went on the market for £275,000, or to rent at a starting rate of £27,000 a year.
Estate Agents Goadsby were marketing it as a 1,875 sq ft watering hole with manager's accommodation on the upper floors.
But the search for new owners continues, with councillors voting unanimously to reject the proposal.
