LAST orders have been called on a former Marlow pub after developers got the go ahead to turn the listed building into a luxury house.
The 16th century Hare and Hounds on Henley Road will become a five bedroom house under plans given the green light by Wycombe District Council last week.
Neighbouring residents raised several objections to the project, which will also see a four bedroom house and a pair of two bedroom semi-detached houses on the roadside plot.
And the Marlow Society wrote to the council to complain the development was inappropriate and would cause traffic problems on the busy Henley Road.
English Heritage recently awarded the building Grade II listed status.
The Hare and Hounds has changed hands several hands in the last few years, most famously with the winners of Raymond Blanc’s TV series ‘The Restaurant’ taking over in 2008.
But with this venture closing after only a year, the pub was run by three different landlords in its final four years and its last stint as a pub ended in 2013.
The 16th century inn was then sold by owner Enterprise Inns late last year.
Last month, Wycombe District Council experts said the loss of the pub building would not have a negative impact on the community because it is not currently operating as a public house.
But Alexander Wright, chairman of the district’s Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) group, disagreed with council’s stance and insisted the permanent loss of the business would still be felt.
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