A PUB which had the "wrong business plan" could be turned into a home if Bucks Council approve plans.

The Mash Inn on Horseshoe Road is at the centre of a debate in the rural community of Radnage, as developers are hoping to turn the former Three Horseshoes pub into a house.

The pub closed its doors in January 2023 and developers believe the site has no future in the hospitality sector due to recent closures.

However, residents said it would be "devastating to see it close forever simply because of a failed business model."

Victoria Griffiths, a resident who lives near The Mash Inn, said: "The Three Horseshoes has always been a thriving hub of our community, and it would be devastating to see it close forever simply because of a failed business model & someone trying to cash in by redeveloping it.

"To our community, it is worth so much more than money."

Developers claim only "1% of residents of Radnage and Bennett End have frequented the Mash Inn in the last 26 months". 

Victoria believes The Mash Inn struggled to get punters through the doors after opening as a 'gastro pub' when people struggled financially after the lockdown and cost of living crisis.

"We would love for the pub to be returned to its former glory, welcoming to everyone, it has always attracted people from all walks of life, a really special place to come together - if it is lost now there will be no getting it back - that is quite the sobering thought," she added.

"I do see a fundamental problem though and a trend which started a while ago with the emergence of so many ‘bistro' pubs.

"As high-end pubs become more expensive, younger generations are being priced out of socialising in these establishments, teamed with the energy crisis and a dip in the economy, these businesses are not getting the footfall that they may have done in previous years - simply people can’t afford it. 

"With the right business plan and management this pub can adapt to changing demographics and continue to be affordable and accessible to younger generations as well as being a successful business and destination pub and continue to be a community asset - of that I am sure.

"A message to those of you who have such a pub in your area, use it or lose it, now more than ever!" 

A number of people have objected to the plans, including Cllr Robert Carington who claims there is an ongoing issue regarding an Asset of Community Value.

He said: "I am writing to object to this application on the grounds that it does not seem appropriate that anything can be granted until the Asset of Community Value nomination which is running concurrently is also resolved.

"Especially as how it has been admitted by the Council that it was an error which led to its delisting in the first place. So this application in theory should not be valid if that was still in place (as it would run till 2025).

"Considering it was the Council's error that led to the delisting it surely makes sense for the ACV to be resolved before addressing this application.

"If the officer does find it fit to consider approving this application i would like to call this in to Committee for further scrutiny."

Residents have until June 16 to have their say on the plans.