RESIDENTS’ hopes of an Ascot pub being saved from demolition received a boost last night after parish councillors recommended a controversial flats plan is refused. 

Since 2015 The Royal Hunt pub on New Road closed in 2015, housing developers have tried to build nine flats at the site. 

Bracknell News:

Two planning applications for the flats have been refused by Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) and central planning inspectors, but now a third proposal has been submitted by Patrick Ruddy Homes. 

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The developers say this new submission overcomes the issue which saw the second planning application refused - meaning designs have been changed so an “important” protected tree is not harmed. 

But modifications from the first application means the development would only have ten car parking spaces instead of the 15 initially proposed. 

Bracknell News:

This issue - among other remaining worries including the impact the development would have on the protected oak tree - was a cause of concern for Winkfield Parish Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, February 4, as councillors recommended refusal of the plans. 

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This came after The Royal Hunt Pub Community Group organiser Bruce Singleton gave a speech to councillors outlining the history of the establishment, what needs to happen to re-open the pub, and his issues with the most recent planning application. 

Bracknell News:

He said: “The new planning application claims to respect the root protection area of [the] oak tree... but has not provided sufficient parking for residents of nine apartments. 

“Parents and children already have their health and safety put at risk by frustrated motorists during the school run. 

“Additional parked cars in New Road will only increase the incidents of damage to parked cars.”

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Winkfield Parish Council (WPC) recommended refusal at a meeting attended by a dozen residents concerned about the plans to demolish the Royal Hunt. 

Speaking to the News after the meeting, Bruce said he was “really pleased” about WPC’s recommendation, while resident John Evans said approving the proposal would set a “dangerous precedent.”

Mr Evans added: “The parking is already out of control. 

“Visitors will park on dangerous places on New Road. 

“It will just get worse.”

Bruce has urged anyone interested in getting behind the campaign to sign up to the group here 

Bracknell Forest Council will consider WPC’s recommendation and the 38 objections so far submitted by residents when it decides on the plans in the coming months.