Community Pub Scheme Investigated By Residents

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Residents opposed to development plans for Emma Hamilton site

Residents are investigating setting up a community pub at the former Emma Hamilton pub in Wimbledon Chase.

The landmark Kingston Road pub (left) closed down last year and developers have plans to replace it with 56 flats and up to four shops.

Stadium Capital Holdings have yet to submit their plans for to Merton Borough Council and have been canvassing local opinion.

Local resident Grahame Darnell said there were many concerns about the plans (left), with parking being the number one concern.

Mr Darnell, from Oxford Avenue, added: "There is great consensus about a number of issues - namely: that the proposed development is too high at five storeys; fronting it up to the pavement is too imposing; 56 flats is too many; the need to cut down two mature trees and lack of any landscaping at the front is an environmental concern; and the retail aspect is ill-considered as we already have several unlet units in the existing parade of shops."

He said residents were actively investigating the idea of setting up a community pub, using The Hope community pub in Carshalton as an inspiration.

"The current proposals add nothing to the local community which is why the great idea for a community pub has gained traction so easily", he said.

Why not comment on the forum thread on the Emma Hamilton site?

April 21, 2011