Newbury pub could make way for housing

Vokins Construction on behalf of Sutton Griffin Architects has applied to turn The Wellington Arms pub in Andover Road and its two outbuildings into four residential units.
The 19th century Grade II listed pub has stood empty in recent months.
Chairman of West Berkshire CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), Richard Scullion, said: “As a group that campaigns for both real ale and thriving pubs, any pub is a loss.
"We would prefer pubs not to close but there are occasions when pubs become less viable.
"We would also be happy for it to go to appropriate housing rather than another supermarket outlet – that’s quite common at the moment.”
He said that the group was grateful this was not the only pub in the locality and said that there was a great anxiety that “community hub” pubs were lost.
He said: “We are always sad to see the loss of a pub, especially ones that are community pubs.
“That’s a real concern that we would fight for.
“We have to be realistic; did the pub shut because it was not viable? There are times when that’s the case.”
He added: “It’s disappointing but the reality.”
Just last week, the Newbury Weekly News reported on approved plans to turn the Blue Ball Inn in Greenham into housing.
Hackwood Homes gained approval to knock down the 19th century Greenham Road pub and replace it with eight homes.
West Berkshire Council is expected to make a final decision on The Wellington Arms by mid-October.