England rugby star does not want to see Marsh Green pub go

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A FORMER England rugby player, and world cup finalist, has hit out at plans to transform a Marsh Green pub into a residential property.

Richard Hill, who was a runner up in the world cup in 1991, has objected to plans to convert the Wheatsheaf Inn, on Marsh Green Road, into a house.

The traditional village pub is the only one in the village and is on the market for £475,000. It is a popular landmark in Marsh Green and villagers do not want to see it go.

Mr Hill, the former Bath and England Scrum Half between 1984 and 1992, made a comment on Sevenoaks District’s planning portal.

He said: “I come from Somerset and my wife comes from the village of Marsh Green. I have spent many hours in this pub over the past 25 years whenever I return to Marsh Green to stay with my wife’s relatives who still live there.

“It has always been at the heart of this community ever since I have known this pub and we use it regularly especially at festive times.

“Please do not destroy a place like the Wheatsheaf where local people can meet up and share their troubles and their stories. I hope I can still count on having a pint of cider or two there next Christmas.”

But although Stephen Smith, who lives in Edenbridge and put in the application to the council, understands the importance of the building to the village, he believes this is its best option.

In his supporting statement to the application he said: “We see the Wheatsheaf as being a very important building within Marsh Green, but unfortunately as a business it is not a viable ongoing concern.

“The owner of the property has had the pub on the market since September 2011 and had eight offers with three being accepted but none going to exchange and has not been able to sell the Wheatsheaf as a viable business.

“We are committed to keeping the building as an integral part of Marsh Green and submit an application for change of use only.”

Mr Smith plans to keep the building as it is, complete with pub sign, and does not intend on carrying out any structural alterations.

He also said the façade will be maintained and is willing to keep the town council’s notice board on the front as well as with the community to encourage the continuing of its events.

But the nearest pubs to the village are the Star Inn and Old Eden, over a 10 minute walk from the Wheatsheaf along a busy road with no pavement.

Some residents have put together a business plan to buy the pub and keep it as a vital part of the community.

Lucy Shrapnell West and her husband Duncan are spearheading the bid to buy the pub which has the support of the village.

She said: “I was born in the village and worked in the pub from 14 to 21 and was there when it was thriving.

“We would be very disappointed to see it go.”

Pam Owen, a member of the Marsh Green Fete committee and Residents Association agreed.

She said: “The whole village has an overwhelming affection and empathy for the landlord but the pub is a huge part of the village.

“We had a post office, a butchers and schools and Marsh Green was a thriving, self-sufficient village.

“It’s the only social place left and is a community hub as we don’t have a village hall.

“With the right person managing it the pub could be vibrant and thriving again.”

The application will be discussed at Edenbridge Town Council’s planning meeting on Monday.

Article source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/mystery-found-rugby-caps-deepens-6141154

England rugby star does not want to see Marsh Green pub go