Outrage over Three Horseshoes pub plans for guest rooms

A planning application to convert the unused derelict office and manager accommodation into guest rooms at the Three Horseshoes pub in Garsington village near Oxford, is currently in the consultation period.

In the design and access statement, the applicant explains they aim to “rejuvenate” the first floor of the pub by creating five guest rooms “to promote patronage, breakfasting and dining at the public house.”

The applicant also states: “Trade at the public house has declined in recent years in line with the trend in England, Public Houses are becoming obsolete, the business has been struggling and various managers have come and gone but no positive income streams have been achieved.”

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In 2019, villagers fought to save Garsington’s only surviving pub. Residents succeeded in getting it listed as an asset of community value, meaning owners had to give six months to allow locals the chance to bid for it. However, the community did not manage to buy the pub.

Villagers have left comments on the planning application objecting to the guest room plans calling them “unacceptable for the village”, fearing they will lose their local as they know it.

Giles Sedgman of Oxford Road said: “The village was worried of losing the only remaining pub, hence the community group trying to buy it, this would be a great loss to our community if this was to be allowed.”

Paul Clarke of Combewell said: “The application states the pub is no longer a viable business when in the last decade the pub has been shown to be very successful when under willing management.”

Richard and Denise Hooper of Hillcrest, Southend said: “The village really needs to keep this amenity as a pub.”

Many residents pointed out in their objections that one of the guest rooms was listed as a studio flat on lettings website Rightmove in March, even though the planning application has not been approved, but it has since been removed by the agency that let it. Other villagers have commented and claimed the applicant has already changed the windows.

The planning application P21/S1096/FUL can be found via South Oxfordshire District Councils’ website.

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