Former Saffron Walden pub could be replaced with homes

Blumarble Property Limited is planning to demolish the former Gate Inn, 74 Thaxted Road, Saffron Walden and build the homes.

The developer says the building is "of little architectural merit or interest". The pub was run by Green King before becoming a pizza restaurant and then shutting down in August 2020.

There have previously been two attempts to build housing at the site, one plan included converting the restaurant into two homes, with part-demolition and ground floor and first floor extensions and three homes to the rear of the site. These plans were thrown out.

Plans for conversion of existing the restaurant to two homes, including part demolition of single storey rear elements and erection of ground floor and first floor extensions and three homes to rear of site were allowed on appeal.

Angry residents have objected to the plans. One said: "Once we lose such community assets, we can’t get them back.

"The Gate should remain as a pub and the building itself protected. With investment from a new operator as a pub, letting to a specialist real ale pub or pub or restaurant, this is a prime location close to the centre of town."

Another worried resident said: "This building has value to the roads appearance, it tells a history of the town and its demolition would be a loss for the charm and architecture of the town.

"A building with so much history should never be demolished and never replaced by a cheap reproduction.

"Building conservation is important, that is why this town is so loved because of the historic character of the place. The demolition and replacement with another new-build is to maximise profit, I strongly object to its demolition."

The plans state: "The existing Gate Inn building is of poor condition and is of little architectural merit or interest. It is not a heritage asset.

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"The building is also very inefficient with a challenging internal arrangement that makes conversion difficult. Indeed, the applicant is faced with a scheme that is of limited viability.

"The preferable approach is therefore to demolish the building in lieu of the erection of two high-quality, energy efficient dwellings that will better reflect the building line and the character and appearance of the area and provide a good standard of accommodation.

"The proposed building to comprise the new dwellings would reflect the scale, massing, and detailing of the current."