Flats Plan For Pub Could Be Decided In February

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Council receives objections to Brewery Tap scheme

Plans to create two converted flats above the historic Brewery Tap pub in Wimbledon Village are likely to be discussed by Merton Council in February.

Owners Enterprise Inns put the plans forward to the council in December, involving a rear extension and conversion of the existing accommodation on the first and second floor.

Enterprise have also given notice to lessee Garry Mallen, that they do not want to renew his lease for the High Street pub (pictured left).

Regulars at the Brewery Tap, run by resident tenants John and Heather Grover for 15 years, have been running a campaign to keep the pub as it is.

But the new plans will involve replacing the existing kitchen and tenant's accommodation and running the pub as a ground-floor 'lock-up'.

The local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has also been campaigning against the plans and fears for the long-term future of a pub without a resident landlord.

Geoff Strawbridge, Pubs Officer of CAMRA's South West London Branch, said: "Wimbledon Village is a conservation area where residents should be concerned to minimise alcohol abuse and to preserve established amenities that serve the wider community. With its resident landlord and his team, the Brewery Tap promotes responsible drinking. What Enterprise propose is vandalism."

The deadline for comments to be made to the council's planning department is Wednesday (January 5). It is understood there have already been enough objections for the scheme to go to the full planning committee and a potential date for the meeting is Thursday February 17.

Why not comment on the forum thread on the Brewery Tap?

January 4, 2011