CALLING TIME
Pubs lined up for change
A Grade II listed pub which has been in Bearsted since at least 1860 will be transformed into homes if a planning application is approved.
Proposals would see the Old Plantation converted into a residential dwelling with two other properties on the same plot.
The application, submitted to Maidstone Borough Council by Heritage Designer Homes Ltd who bought the Plantation Lane pub a year ago, also proposes demolishing just over a third of the current structure on the grounds it is poor quality and not in keeping with the rest of the building.
The existing 30-space car park would be reduced to accommodate six vehicles.
The freehouse is open to the public and a campaign has been launched by Stephen Coomber to save it.
Mr Coomber, of Willington Street, Bearsted, said: “The pub used to be a traditional meeting place where everyone from builders to barristers would go.”
The 56- year- old business adviser, who moved to the vil-
‘The pub used to be a traditional meeting place where everyone from builders to barristers would go’
lage 22 years ago, added: “The applicant’s suggestion that the pub provides no different service to any other in the area is untrue. Only recently has it started moving towards food but it has always been very successful as a drinks-based business which makes it unique.
“I’m sure I could find a dozen people who would jump at the chance to take on the tenancy.”
Sue Nutting, who lives opposite the pub and has launched a petition to save it, said: “Perhaps surprisingly, many of those in the immediate vicinity want the Old Plantation inn to remain. Large numbers of other Bearsted residents have also indicated their support.”
Steve Swift, a director of Heritage Designer Homes, said: “We engaged a reputable company which specialises in the valuation and sale of all types of licensed premises.
“It prepared a detailed report on the viability of the Old Plantation and carried out an assessment of the trading history for the period 2007 to 2011 and the most recent period from October 2013 to July 2014.
“The report concludes that the premises has not been trading profitably for some time.”
The director said recent accounts showed it was operating at a loss of more £10k over 10 months, despite the rent being reduced by 65% in order to keep it running.
“Whether or not planning permission is granted the Old Plantation will be closing after Christmas because it is no longer viable,” he added.