Controversial pub plans discussed in Hungerford tonight

Councillors to give views on plans for a town centre pub to become a takeaway

HUNGERFORD townspeople are likely to voice their concerns tonight (Monday) over plans to transform a town centre pub into an Indian takeaway, according to a local resident.

Abberley Design Ltd has submitted an application to West Berkshire Council seeking permission to turn The Angel Inn, Church Street, into a hot food takeaway and retain the three bedroom accommodation above it.

But one Hungerford resident, James Brown, has claimed that some locals are unhappy with the proposal because it could cause parking problems in the narrow street and because of the unwanted food smell which would come from the takeaway.

One resident has lodged a formal objection with the district council and said: “There is no pavement outside no. 50 [The Angel], the lack of which is aggravated by the current permitted parking bays opposite. These force all traffic to drive on one side of the road; the side The Angel is on.”

The objector, whose name was omitted from the letter, added: “The High Street, being the focus for trade and people in the town, is where there are already several Hot Food Takeaways. Should another be needed (or desirable) this would be a more suitable location and in all probability, give a better turnover.”

The building lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Conservation Area.

Hungerford Neighbourhood Specialist Office, Claire Drewitt, was made aware of the plans and wrote to West Berkshire Council to advise on recommended action that should be undertaken, should the application be passed.

She explained that police had worked over the past two to three years to prevent youths from congregating in the town centre as they had been intimidating people.

She therefore recommended that, if the application is approved, the opening hours are restricted to close at midnight, adding: “This would reduce the violent crime associated with alcohol fuelled offences after closing hours at the pubs.”

Pc Drewitt also recommended that the business install private CCTV which covers the counter and outside the premise, and said: “This would be a deterrent for a congregation of young adults and also will

help reduce any other crime at the location.”

Hungerford town councillors are due to either support or object to the application tonight, and West Berkshire Council will have the final say.

Meanwhile, another application involving a Hungerford pub will be discussed at this evening's meeting.

TEK Trading Limited has applied on behalf of The Lamb Inn, Charnham Street, to build two new cottages within the redundant car park the pub.

And an application to convert land to the back of the Three Swans Hotel, High Street, into 13 homes were due to be discussed tonight but have been returned to the applicant as it was invalid.

The meeting of the environment and planning committee takes place at the Corn Exchange Complex from 7pm.

Log back on to Newburytoday.co.uk tomorrow to find out what councillors had to say about the plans.