Residents aim to block pub plans (From This is Hampshire)

Residents aim to block pub plans

11:50am Monday 13th February 2012 in News By Simon Moss

The Mole Inn

RESIDENTS are this week hoping to scupper a former Concorde captain’s plans to convert a Monk Sherborne pub into a home.

Adrian Thompson has submitted a planning application to convert The Mole Inn, in Monk Sherborne, into a four-bedroom property after claiming the pub is too small to be viable.

Last year, villagers formed the Save the Mole committee to oppose him, and they will appear before members of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s development control committee on Wednesday.

Group member James Knight, of Ramsdell Road, said he felt The Mole Inn – which has been up for sale at £400,000 – could still operate as a pub, but it has been given an “over-inflated” price which is putting off buyers.

He told The Gazette: “We feel it is wrong for a speculator to be able to decide that our pub is no longer viable, especially when there is little evidence to support this claim.

“Just because the pub hasn’t been successfully managed in the past, does not mean it cannot be a viable business in the future.”

The application, which was lodged in October, has prompted 76 objections from members of the public.

A previous application was turned down by the council last year.

Mr Thompson, of Church Road, Tadley, could not be contacted by The Gazette.

The application has been recommended for approval by council officers.