‘APPALLED’ Newbold residents are opposing a pub operator’s renewed attempt to build new homes on the car park of a neighbourhood pub.
Punch Partnerships is appealing against Rugby Borough Council’s (RBC) refusal of its planning application to build two semi-detached houses in the car park of the Newbold Crown, on the corner of Main Street and Brownsover Road.
The application was unanimously rejected by RBC’s planning committee in July for a number of reasons, including the impact on the street scene, parking, and neighbouring properties.
Newbold resident Tony Freeman told the Observer he was appalled that the company was appealing against the decision.
He said: “The whole point of a pub is that it is at the heart of the local community. Punch is showing its contempt for the Newbold community by refusing to accept the decision of the council.
“I have been speaking to my neighbours and we are all completely opposed to this proposal. This community has genuine reasons for opposing this development.”
Allan Kedward, who lives next door to the pub, said: ““I am really worried that, if this appeal is successful, it will destroy the look of our village and exacerbate the parking and traffic problems we already have. I also worry it will be detrimental to the pub as a viable business.
“This is nothing more than an attack on our community by a private equity company maximising their profits at our expense.”
A spokesperson for Punch Pubs & Co said they believed the proposal met the requirements set out in RBC’s local plan.
They added: “We believe this project will provide vital housing supply for the area whilst The Newbold Crown pub continues to provide an outstanding service and thrives at the heart of the community.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/3vub5hre to comment to the Planning Inspector on the appeal before the deadline of December 4.
