VILLAGERS near Chehsam are fighting to save a 500-year-old pub under threat from closure.

The Swan pub in Blackwell Hall Lane, Ley Hill, came under threat from developers in 2018 and is listed as an asset of community value.

Buckinghamshire Council has refused previous planning applications because of its historical and community importance. Most recently an appeal to turn the pub into a dwelling house with parking was thrown out by the council.

But, Ashridge Property Limited has now submitted plans to turn the Grade II listed pub into a nursery, which has been met with objection from residents nearby.

READ MORE: Villagers raise £400k to save 'beloved' pub

Locals are determined to save The Swan and a steering group has been formed with the intention of re-opening the pub as a community venture.

Dave Peterson said: "The Chilterns is in danger of losing one of its most historic pubs. Residents of Ley Hill near Chesham are again fighting to save The Swan after repeated planning applications by its owners to develop the beautiful 500-year-old building into a children’s nursery, then into housing, both of which were refused permission by the Council.

"There is now two new planning applications submitted to turn the pub into a children’s nursery.

"The Swan is a Grade II listed, timber-framed building dating back to around 1520, with original oak beams, an inglenook fireplace and an unusual snug just off the main bar. Allegedly on the site of the very first building in Ley Hill, the pub was an alehouse long before the term ‘pub’ came into being and was known for its association with the request for a ‘last and final ale’ from condemned prisoners on their way to the gallows by Jason’s Hill."

A campaign group called Save Our Swan (SOS) has been formed by local residents in an attempt to save the pub for future generations. They have also set up the ‘Ley Hill Community Pub Company Limited’ with a view to purchasing the pub for the community.

Peter added: "The group are asking for support for their campaign as following the coronavirus and the consequent increase in homeworking, pubs will be needed more than ever as the hub of the local community."

The proposed nursery would operate from the ground and first floors and hopes to accommodate 45 children and 9 staff members.

The opening hours would be from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Developers say the building "lends itself well to the new use. However, some minor internal alterations are proposed to improve the layout for the new nursery."

Staff parking would also be provided on the existing driveway with on-street parking extended along the front of the building used for dropping off and collecting children.

Residents are strongly objecting to the plans on the basis it will increase traffic in the area and the loss of a "valued amenity for the local community." 

David Silverstone said: "A nurser will increase further the road chaos which manifests already itself at the start and end of school days. So long as a high percentage of parents drive their offspring to school rather than encourage them to walk the problem will persist."

Dr Debra Ralph added: "This is a historic pub which is at the heart of our local community. It is where locals would meet for drinks and the excellent food it once served.

"The pub is a beautiful listed building which attracted visitors and dog walkers to the area.

"It hosted music festivals in the summer which were well supported and put Ley Hill on the map." 

To view the plans search PL/23/2286/FA in the planning portal.