VILLAGERS fear the planned construction of two cottages in the beer garden of a Grade II-listed disused pub will spell the end for the hostelry.
Blackmore residents are worried that the planning application in respect of the grounds of The Bull in Church Street will be the precursor to the historic building itself being converted into flats.
The pub has been empty for two and a half years but the new plans which have been submitted to Brentwood Borough Council by Sheila Pickering have not met with the approval of many residents.
Ms Pickering insists her planning application provides for the retention of the public house, thus fulfilling its purpose and function within the village and local community – although some villagers remain unconvinced.
Should the application for two semi-detached cottages be approved, the 1975 extensions that comprise the rear of the pub above the cellar and the WC, as well as the rear extension will be demolished.
This, Ms Pickering says, would bring the building back to how it was originally laid out at the rear.
Her application adds that the existing extensions detract from the "character and architectural integrity of the listed building".
Many Blackmore residents, however, are keen for new owners to come forward to take The Bull on as a pub or restaurant.
They say the pub, which dates back to 1365, has always been at the heart of the community and are keen to see it re-opened.
As previously reported in the Gazette, a petition, supported by hundreds of signatories, has been launched to lobby for the building to remain as a pub.
Judi Woods, of The Green, is among those concerned about the future of The Bull.
"I understand from the planning application that the intention is to demolish the cellar," she said.
"There doesn't seem to be any place for the storage of bottled goods or barrelage once the cellar has gone.
"This begs the question how can a public house operate without these facilities – if indeed there is any intention of re-opening the pub.
"I may have misunderstood but in Section 18 of the application only the option to allow for a drinking establishment was not ticked.
"Does this mean that restaurant facilities are not intended?
"Without a cellar or restaurant and a reduced beer garden how can a public house be a viable business?
"To be successful a pub needs to offer an excellent range of real ales and a good restaurant.
"We would personally object in the strongest possible terms to any attempt in the future to de-license the building, which I understand can only happen if an owner can prove that the business is not viable."
She added: "We object to the owner being able to do anything to reduce the viability of The Bull as a pub including the demolition of the cellar store and the reduction of the garden which was used by families all throughout the spring, summer and autumn months in the past."
Susan Rayner, who has lived in Blackmore for 10 years, said in a letter to the council seen by the Gazette: "I am likely to be more affected than any other Blackmore resident.
"The Bull as a public house was once the heart of the village bringing life, income and amenity.
"There is no reason for a change of use other than the fact the current owners cannot operate a public house – and presumably no one wants to buy it that can.
"More sensible would be a village initiative, as elsewhere, to purchase and operate the pub on a community basis."
Another resident, Margaret Thompson, said: "Frankly I do not believe that there is any intention of re-opening The Bull as a pub and reading the planning supporting statement I think that there are several indicators to support this.
"I am certain that if the pub did re-open serving good quality and properly priced meals it would be very successful."
Ms Pickering was unavailable for comment as the Gazette went to press.
A decision on the application is expected later this month.
To view the planning application visit www.brentwood.gov.uk
