Published: Thursday, 4th December, 2008 09:00
Derelict pub may become flats and community centre
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The disused Happy Prospect pub in Coronation Square, Southcote
THE derelict Happy Prospect pub in Southcote could be converted into flats and a community centre.
A planning application is expected to be submitted to the council for 26 flats above a ground floor area for community use.
There is a covenant on the land, dating from when the estate was built, which says it must be used for a licensed premises.
Cllr John Ennis said: “This has been a long time coming but it is great news.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of details to be sorted out on the planning application, and the block will then have to be built and fitted out, but the Southcote community will then have the centre which it has called for.
“We will now get on with working with local people to see how the new centre can best be managed to meet the community’s needs.”
The pub in Coronation Square has been closed for nearly two years, during which time it has become covered in grafitti and its windows have been boarded up.
John Bowsher, chairman of the Southcote Residents’ Association, said: “If they are going to put it to some community use, that’s what we’ve wanted from the very start. There needs to be somewhere we can meet for a drink and chat during the day. But it’s got to be sympathetic with the area, not higher than three stories. People are worried about flats over-looking their gardens.”
Once the plans have been submitted residents will be able to submit comments to the planning officers by contacting the council on 0118 939 0900.
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