THE Crown pub could become Ye Olde Crown if its new owners are given the go-ahead to give it an old English theme.

Scottish and Newcastle have submitted fresh plans for the pub at the top of Marlow High Street. It has been shut since Easter 1997.

Former owners The Inntreprenuer Pub Company secured permission to renovate the Grade Two listed building in November last year after extensive negotiations with Wycombe District Council and local heritage campaigners. The company sold the pub before any work was carried out.

The new plans are to give the pub an old English theme and would include making a display of the old lock-up jail.

A spokesman for the council confirmed it has received a planning application from Scottish & Newcastle.

The spokesman said: "Scottish & Newcastle have put in an application for a pub - for the Crown, Marlow. The council is disappointed that the proposal lodged does not carry on the traditional name."

The spokesman said there are fewer internal alterations than on previous planning schemes and added: "The main external change is the proposal to move the door to the centre of the building. There are no plans to use the upstairs at this stage."

Ron Waters, of Marlow Society, said he had not yet seen the new plans. But he added: "We will resist the name change. It is a gimmick. The place is The Crown. As far as the exterior, it depends what they are going to do with the front of it and if they are going to vulgarise it. But I am pleased if they are going to retain the old lock-up."

A spokesman for Scottish and Newcastle said it was in consultation with the council.

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