A PUB in Calcot could be knocked down and replaced with a car park, if a developer gets permission. 

Murdoch’s, a derelict pub on the Bath Road, closed in 2013. Pureday Ltd want to knock it down, and build a car park with 46 spaces. 

According to the developer, it would be a ‘car share’ car park for those who commute along the M4. 

Sarah Melton, a senior planning officer at West Berkshire Council, said the pub is ‘currently in a poor state of repair and is considerably dilapidated’. 

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Councillors on the eastern area planning committee will decide whether to grant permission for the car park on October 30. 

But Ms Melton is recommending they should refuse permission, as it would have an ‘adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area’. 

She said: “A car park in this area is not considered as appropriate given the residential character of the area.” 

Security is also an issue. Ms Melton said: “The agent has stated via email that the proposal scheme will include CCTV, however this is not included on the submitted plans.”

The scheme doesn’t include any lights or detailed security measures, and ‘would only receive limited light from existing street lights and passing cars’. 

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The site already has permission to demolish the pub and build four detached houses — and the car park could later be replaced with houses, depending on how Brexit turns out. 

Ms Melton said: “The use of the site as a car park may only be temporary until such time as the economic consequences of Britain’s exit from the EU are more apparent and the impact on the housing market is known.”

Tilehurst parish council objects to the plans, due to concerns that travellers could use the car park. Holybrook parish council supports demolishing the pub, but objects to the car park, because of the extra traffic it would cause. 

Eight members of the public objected to the plans.