New Inn ‘Motel’ Proposals Unveiled

Proposals have been submitted for motel-style accommodation at the New Inn in Station Approach.

The planning application for twelve ‘letting rooms’ in a separate building to the pub, envisages the project being built to the rear, on the Station Hill/Ridgeway side of the site.

The views we’ve received so far range from outright opposition in principle, to concerns over specific aspects such as the size, location, traffic issues, loss of trees and effect on the street scene, among others. Some are supportive of a prominent local business seeking to enhance its viability, but many still take issue with aspects of the proposals as they stand.

We would expect the proposal to come before a planning committee towards the end of this month.

The New Inn: Licensing Hearing Result

The application to vary the licence for The New Inn was heard this morning. The hearing was attended by Cllr. Neil Reddin and also representatives from the Hayes Village Association and Wickham Common Residents’ Association.

Following representations from those present, the committee agreed to allow drinking only with a meal for the final hour (11pm to midnight) on Sunday through to Thursday – the existing licence already allows opening until midnight, though the current owners only usually serve alcohol until 11pm.

It was also agreed to allow drinking in the outside areas (including the back garden) only until 10pm.

The applicant had already agreed to change their proposed closing time of 00:30 back to the existing midnight, and the committee allowed the serving of (non-alcoholic) refreshments until midnight.

The licensee expects the refurbishments to be completed on the ground floor (the new restaurant and bar area) in time for a mid-June opening.

We anticipate that the plans for the upstairs function room will require a seperate licensing application, following a planning application.