West Berkshire Council denies Greene King planning proposal at The White Hart pub in Hampstead Norreys

West Berkshire Council has rejected a planning application submitted by Greene King Ltd at the end of May.

The application sought permission to resurface the existing gravel car park at The White Hart pub in Hampstead Norreys in permeable tarmac and white line parking layout with paint.

But the council has denied permission citing the threat to trees, insufficient information on alleviating flood risks and the potential harm to the surrounding scenary.

Hampstead Norreys Parish Council objected on similar grounds, saying it does not believe the finish is appropriate for a conservation area.

It also raised concern with the lack of detail on the soakaway, since the area is prone to rising groundwater flooding.

Residents also raised concerns with the proposal.

Former landlady, Tracey Clemson, said: “As a very visible, and very public, element of the village it is essential that it stays in keeping with the surrounding properties and general feel of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“Having seen photographs of how it looked when previously covered in tarmac, I would strongly object to this happening again.”

“A tarmac drive with white lines will look terrible in our village environment and is not appropriate for a conservation area or a village,” added Janet Carruzzo.

Lesley Ravenscroft said: “The road outside the pub floods during very heavy rain, and faster run off could make this worse.”