Traffic concern over pub conversion plan
A Buckinghamshire MP has objected to plans to turn a former Burnham pub into a Hindu cultural hub.
The Jolly Woodman, which dates back to the 19th century, closed its doors for good on January 7.
The Littleworth Common premises are now owned by Slough-based charity, GB Shri Raghavendra Swami Brundavan, which submitted plans to convert the building into a place of worship on
January 31.
The proposal intended to alter the interior and build a meditation room and additional parking facilities, which has generated more than 200 objections and more than 100 letters of support.
One resident writing in support of the application said parking issues can be resolved and added: “It will be good to see an influx of new people with new ideas and broader views.”
Other letters of support repeated the need for ‘diversity’ and the benefits of a local yoga and meditation centre to ‘the broader community’.
However, the plans for the historic former pub were considered a ‘significant detriment’ to its surroundings according to Buckinghamshire Council’s property and asset management team.
Further objections from Buckinghamshire Council’s ecology department cited the ‘likely’ deterioration of a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The council’s highways department also had concerns, adding: “The location of the site is such that it has only limited access by non-car modes of travel.
“The development, if permitted, would be likely to lead to additional on-street parking and vehicles reversing onto or off of the highway to the detriment of public and highway safety.”
Natural England had ‘no objection’ to the submitted plans, adding it ‘considers that the proposed development will not have significant adverse impacts on statutorily protected nature conservation sites or landscapes’.
Beaconsfield MP Joy Morrissey has filed a letter of objection to the council stating: “My concerns are the increase in traffic and parking that the change of use will generate.
“The proximity of the Jolly Woodman to Dropmore School must be considered as well.
“Currently, this is a busy area at the start of the school day and pick-up times in the afternoon.
“Any extra vehicles using the Jolly Woodman would increase the risk to parents and children who navigate the narrow route to the school from the car park.
“There is no public transport to the area, so on-road parking would inevitably increase and therefore visibility would be reduced.”
She also cited environmental concerns during the proposed works and increased traffic activities where ‘noise and footfall would be detrimental to the area’.
GB Shri Raghavendra Swami Brundavan trustees Srihari Gubbi and Prahlad Purohit previously told the Express: “Developing this new premises is driven by our intention to not only create a welcoming space for the community but
also promote cultural and spiritual values.
“During this journey, the dynamic character of the community has underscored the need for a lasting space with expanded facilities in a serene setting.
Cllr George Sandy (Con, Cliveden) filed a comment calling for the application to be scrutinised by the planning committee at a call-in due to ‘so much local concern’.
The planning application can be viewed on the Buckinghamshire planning portal using reference PL/24/0183/FA.