Locals Objecting to Plan for a Micropub – But Planning Permission Granted

Published on: 7 Jan, 2019
Updated on: 11 Jan, 2019

By Rebecca Curley

Local Democracy Reporter

Locals have objected to a micropub opening in a Surrey village, as they say it is too small.

A petition signed by 49 people and 10 letters of objections has been submitted over the application for Tubbs Pubb in Send.

Map of Send with 148 Send Road heavily outlined.

Residents say they are concerned about the number of people spilling out of the 52.4 sq m pub onto the parade of shops in the evening.

They also fear it will increase noise and littering to the area.

But Tim Tubb has defended his bid to open the micropub at 148 Send Road, arguing it will be a more “intimate place” than a traditional pub because “all forms of electronics are frowned upon”.

As a result, there will be no fruit machines, jukeboxes or TVs in the pub, he said.

In a letter to planning officers at Guildford Borough Council (GBC), submitted as part of the application, he wrote: “Instead there will be tables, chairs and space for sitting and thinking, reading the paper if you want to and conversation. Above all, conversation with anybody and everybody about everything and anything.”

There will be a maximum capacity of 20 customers and people can drive to collect take-out ale.

He added: “Our aim is to provide a quiet place where people can meet, have one or two drinks then move on to a restaurant or another establishment, or where members of the local community can meet to discuss various issues in a calm and welcoming atmosphere.”

Among the reasons for objecting to the micropub was that the venue would be too small for the amount of customers, which would cause them to spill out onto the street.

A petition signed by 49 people and presented by Peng Huot Chea, owner of neighbouring takeaway restaurant Ocean City, said: “The proposed planning application poses a major concern to those living in Send. It is a major concern to us, because it promotes unhealthy lifestyle choices and will disrupt the neighbourhood.

“This is because the consumption of alcohol leads to irresponsible behaviour which can result in the damages to Send Park, the units occupied by businesses and promote noise pollution in the area.”

The application, for the change of use from retail to a micropub and take away, has been recommended for approval by council officers.

It will be considered by GBC planning committee on Wednesday (January 9) at 7pm.

Update: Planning permission was granted by GBC’s Planning Committee on Wednesday (January 9, 2019). Only two committee members voted against.

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