THE final blow has been delivered to neighbours lamenting the loss of places to meet socially, following emerging plans to tear down a former pub. 

A planning application for the former Gold Cup pub in Fernbank Road, North Ascot - which has been left empty for years following the end of its long-term alcohol licence in 2011 and closure in 2012 - will go before Bracknell Forest Council planning committee members tomorrow (Thursday, January 21), submitted by Kirby Homes. 

The proposal would see the demolition of the derelict building, to be converted into two three-bedroom semi-detached homes and three three-bedroom terraced houses.

However, a number of objections have been submitted from residents and Winkfield Parish Council, who believe that parking provision and access which are earmarked as from Fernbank Road, should be from Gold Cup Lane.

Other concerns are that the homes would have an "impact on adjoining property and their privacy", namely 108 Fernbank Road and will be overbearing and overshadowing and will affect light.

They also argue the area is "saturated with overdevelopment without the infrastructure to cope", such as GP surgeries and schools. 

Punters previously took a stand against former owners, brewers Greene King, after they applied to get rid of the pub and replace it with two three-bedroom houses and two two-bed bungalows back in 2013. 

The Berkshire South East branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) also lodged an objection, with neighbours arguing that the pub had once been a well-used community local. 

However, the company then withdrew their application though fresh plans were then submitted and provisionally approved in July 2014, on the grounds that a legal agreement was made. 

Ascot war councillor Tony Virgo said: "I think it is really sad though unfortunately I don't think it is just happening here. It is very difficult when what was the heart of the community now seems to have gone. 

"We are English, we tend to go to our local pub, it is one of the nation's traditions which unfortunately seems to be disappearing in some areas. 
"But on the other hand, if people don't go to the pub then that is at the seat of the problem, if they don't go to it as regularly, if they don't spend enough money, then the pubs have to look at making a profit through other things apart from alcohol which isn't always feasible. 

"Obviously there is a demand for housing but there is also a demand for the community as well."

Tom Stainer, head of communications at CAMRA, said: "The loss of any pub is a blow to the local community, but especially when it is the last, or one of the last in a local area.

"Pubs play a vital role in community life and often, with the closure of village halls and post offices increasing, becoming the last place for residents to meet and socialise. Older people and those living on their own are particularly affected as the closure of a pub can remove the one place they enjoy visiting to get company.

"In the specific case of the Gold Cup in Ascot, there don’t appear to be any alternative pubs within reasonable walking distance. The local residents have been deprived of a pub for several years and if this site is allowed to permanently close and be redeveloped it will leave them without this community asset."