Neighbours to fight against pub revival

Watering hole wants to make comeback complete with outdoor bar

NEIGHBOURS of a derelict pub are concerned about a scheme to revive it, complete with outside bar.

The plan, to demolish outbuildings and playground equipment at The Horse and Barge, in Moorhall Road, Harefield, and replace them with an outdoor bar and barbecue area, has got locals worried.

At the Harefield Tenants and Resident’s Association (HTRA) meeting at Park Lane Village Centre on Monday evening, members decided to object.

Last year, villagers successfully fought to reduce the pub’s licencing hours under its previous owners, after a ‘banging sound system’, noisy, drunken customers and glasses being smashed in the street kept neighbours awake until the early hours. The pub ceased trading earlier this year.

Doreen McIntyre, who lives opposite the pub and was one of several people who wrote to Hillingdon Council last year, said: “We had to fight to get the licencing hours reduced and it was a success that they were.

“If this plan is approved we may have to do it all over again.”

HTRA chairman Paul Stone said: “The pub has no permission to serve alcohol or soft drinks outside as a result of the petition we all signed, and the garden has to be empty by 10pm.

“If they apply to sell food and drinks outside, that may open it up for them to apply to play music outdoors, which will escalate the noise and encourage people to stay outside all evening.”

The pub is in the green belt and within the Widewater Lock Conservation Area, close to the Grand Union Canal. Applicant Nigel Leeming argued the outdoor bar would change the site from one that degrades the conservation area to one that enhances it.

The design and access statement for the scheme says: “Not only are we improving the aesthetic quality of the building by replacing it, but we are improving the quality of the separating areas and public realm generally.

“The proposal consolidates the spread of structures on the site significantly and as such has no detrimental impact on the Metropolitan green belt.”

Mr Leeming also argued the pub is in an isolated location, well away from the residential area of South Harefield.

The new building would house the bar and kitchen space and include an open fronted area to house a barbecue and seating area. Its opening hours were not specified on the application, which was submitted to Hillingdon Council on November 14.

Is this the right scheme for The Horse and Barge? See page 15 for ways to get in touch.