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Plans to turn a 150-year-old pub into a used car showroom have been rejected by a council that deemed the proposals “inappropriate”.
The George Inn, near Wexham in Buckinghamshire, has recently been abandoned, but authorities have rejected an application to renew its use.
Mr. Sadar Hussain applied for the Grade II indexed construction to be converted into a car showroom with reception, cafeteria and ancillary facilities.
However, after more than 30 objections from local residents, planning officials at Buckinghamshire Council gave the red light to the proposals.
Planners said the progression would be “detrimental to the belt” and have a “dramatic effect” on the village.
The Slough and South Bucks Observer reports that the plaintiffs have raised concerns about parking and the environmental impact of car exhaust.
Others also feared they would waste the pub for good, after more than a century and part of service.
In the plans, submitted last year, Hussain proposed a sales reception at the historic building, restoring its original architectural features and adding chimneys, as a component of the work.
Other features included a “barista-style” café, visitor shelves in the reception area, and new windows and doors throughout.
Outside, Georges’ parking lot would house the esplanade of the showroom, according to documents submitted to the city council.
However, the Design and Access Statement did not explain what effect the progress would have had on the Green Belt lands, the main reason Hussain’s plans were rejected.
Rejecting the proposals, those responsible for the plans said: “The bid site is situated within the metropolitan green belt, where there is a general presumption against any misplaced development, in very special circumstances.
“The proposed progression is beside the point within the green belt, which by definition is harmful.
“In addition to damaging the Green Belt due to its inadequacy, additional damage is being done to the Green Belt and relief in its opening.
“There have been no very concrete cases that could clearly outweigh the damage that would be caused to the Green Belt due to an inadequate and reduced opening. “
The full application can be found here.
Jack joined the car dealership team in 2021 as a copywriter. In the past he worked as a journalist for a national newspaper for the BNPS news agency. He has provided automotive news and reports for several national publications, including The Sun, The Times. and The Daily Mirror.
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