Anger over plans to knock down part of pub (From Worcester News)
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Anger over plans to knock down part of pub
4:50pm Monday 10th September 2012 in News By Robert Hale
FORMER regulars of a pub shut by its owners 18 months ago are outraged over plans to flatten part of the building.
The function room of the Lamb Inn in West Malvern, a major part of the pub and its main facade onto West Malvern Road, looks set to be demolished.
The pub was bought 18 months ago by developer Peter Styles and has been closed since then.
Two planning applications for partial or complete conversion of the premises onto homes have already been turned down, and another application, for two two-bedroom homes in the pub’s garden, is under consideration.
Andrew Boughton, of Mr Styles’ planning agents Boughton Butler, said permission was not needed to take down the function room, as it constitutes an alteration, and the Lamb is not listed or in a conservation area.
“That part of the building is not in good condition and it serves no purpose,” said Mr Boughton.
“I have heard a lot of people saying the pub would be viable as a business, but no-one has come forward with a realistic business plan showing how it could be run.”
Sam Ware, of Lower Road, said: “I think it’s disgraceful a well-used community pub can be treated like this.
“The owner cannot say the pub is not viable, because he hasn’t given anyone the chance to run it well.”
Diana Hurfurt, of Noble View, said: “It’s outrageous.
“There’s clear support for a well-run community pub, which has been strongly expressed in the objections to the planning applications and at two or three well-attended meetings of the parish council.
“Since the Lamb closed, a lot of people in this end of West Malvern just don’t go out any more.
“The Brewers is a fine pub but it’s a long way away, and the Star isn’t in West Malvern, and it’s never been a West Malvern meeting place.”
Meanwhile, the planning application for the two two-bedroom homes will be further discussed at West Malvern Parish Council on Monday, September 10, at 7.30pm, in the village hall, in West Malvern Road.
Comments(3)
Illogik
says...
4:57am Tue 11 Sep 12
pudniw_gib
says...
1:31pm Tue 11 Sep 12
There is little support from local government in Malvern for local arts. With their collusion the Theatres have become an exclusive place for outside entertainment and the entertainment of only a few better off people. They have a very grudging support of the Fringe.
In a way it is better that the council stay out of the local arts scene but they need to enable it, stop messing with the youth centre or Cube as it is now called and encourage the Theatre management to put on bands that we want to see, not covers bands or solo artists.
I would like to promote a gig there but doubt very much they would let me, or charge so much I couldnt do it....
pudniw_gib says...
5:46pm Mon 10 Sep 12
We have lost a decent pub and music venue that put on great bands of all sorts.