Historic pub saved

Developer fails in bid to turn a historic Roehampton pub into flats

The Grade II listed King’s Head was first used as a public house in 1721. The building, which dates back to the 1670s, is thought to be the oldest in the borough - excluding churches.

The proposal would have seen the pub divided up into four flats with a further three provided through alterations and extensions to adjoining buildings.

The scheme would also build on the pub’s garden area to create an additional seven flats.

Councillors felt that the village-style pub, which is currently empty, should not be lost. If revitalised it could play a key part in the council’s regeneration of the central Roehampton area.

Deputy planning applications chairman Piers McCausland said, “The scheme fails on almost every count. The design bears no relation to the neighbouring properties in Roehampton Village while the plan to build on the pub’s garden would take away a large outdoor space. The flats would ruin the setting of the garden, the listed building and the conservation area and do nothing to further the council’s objectives for regenerating this local centre.”

February 28, 2007