Fullers Likely To Be Refused Retrospective Planning For Pub Glass Extension
On grounds of causing 'harm to the character and appearance of the building and Conservation Area'
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The glass box extension to the Bell & Crown which is the subject of a retrospective planning application, has been recommended for refusal by Hounslow Council planners.
Locals who have objected on the grounds that it was vastly different to the original plan, are hoping the pub may be forced to remove it.
Following Strand on the Green Residents' Association (SoGA's) intervention made at the request of members and local residents, Fullers had to seek retrospective planning permission for the glass box erected over the riverside terrace at the Bell & Crown as, according to SoGa, it did not comply with the planning permission granted.
A total of 89 comments were received in connection with the application, of which 17 supported it. Those who objected found it 'intrusive, unsightly, overbearing and out of character/scale with the conservation area/building.'
There were comments that it would cause harm to views on the river, destroyed the continuity of architecture along the riverside, and that it was 'cheap' and there was a lack of design attention.
The residents' group wrote to Fuller's in December to complain that the original plans "bear no resemblance to the finished product."
Fuller's replied that the new box was the design that received planning consent from the council. They offered to meet the residents' group to discuss. The residents then pursued their objections to Hounslow Council.
A council planning official has recommended that the application be refused on the grounds that it would 'cause harm to the character and appearance of the building, and the Strand on the Green Conservation Area'.
The company can appeal against the decision to turn down the retrospective application.
An image from the design on the planning application
The pub, which is located at Thames Road, Strand on the Green, was first licensed as The Bell & Crown in 1787 and was acquired by Fullers in 1814 and rebuilt in 1907. It is now owned by the pub operating company rather than the Brewery which was sold to Asahi last year.
The terrace as it looked previously
The conservation area statement of 2006 says that the present public house was built in 1907 and had a small shop embedded in it, originally a butcher. It is well detailed in the Arts and Craft style with original metal windows and tall chimneys.
The pub is not listed though it was thought that designation might be changed at some point due to its well preserved architectural quality and style.
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January 17, 2020
