A planning application to transform a derelict Grade II listed pub into a car showroom and coffee shop has sparked controversy.
Located at 12 Post Office Lane, George Green and known as The George Inn, the proposal has been met with both intrigue and objection.
Developer Langdon Realty Limited has outlined a proposal to Buckinghamshire Council to reinvigorate The George Inn.
The intention is to utilise the site by turning it from a long-outdated pub to a car sales showroom complete with a reception area, a coffee shop, and supportive facilities.
The proposed layout seeks to blend past and present, situating the car sales area in the historic parts of the building and incorporating exposed historic features, such as traditional fireplaces, into the new design.
The plan aims to breathe new life into the building, combining old usage licenses for drinking establishments and restaurants with the new proposition of a car showroom.
Just like an Argos of used car sales, once customers have chosen their desired car, it will then be brought in from a nearby storage facility and prepared for sale.
At the back of the showroom, the most recent car models will be on display, artfully staged to encourage customer engagement.
The firm has already reportedly begun operations, triggering a number of complaints about disruptive street parking and noise pollution, which have already impacted the residents of George Green badly.
Malcolm Bradford of 15 Diana Close has raised a number of grievances in objection to the application, suggesting that infrastructural changes such as concreting the gardens and lawns have already occurred without securing the necessary planning approval.
This view builds upon concerns raised by Mrs Donna Hobday of 53 Blinco Lane, who expressed disruption and safety issues since operations began.
The proposal does not shy away from acknowledging the considerable challenges it has faced due to the building's listed status.
Substantial alterations will be required to render the building fit for new purpose, from installing ramp access for disabled clientele to the removal of partitions to create an open layout.
Retaining the building's cherished past while integrating its new purpose is a theme underpinning the proposed alterations.
The outdoor environment surrounding the building is considered an asset, with focus placed on landscaping and the existing ecology.
While the firm's proposal promises a sustainable venture that will preserve a cherished historic site, objections from the local community indicate a bumpy road ahead.
The planning committee must now consider both the building's heritage and the local residents concerns in their deliberation over the proposal.
To view the plan enter the reference PL/23/3393/FA into council's planning portal.
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