DOZENS of villagers are objecting to 'detrimental' plans to the change of lawful use of a historic pub.

The Mash Inn in Radnage is at the centre of debate for locals dispute its declared lawful existing use.

The application for the property located on Horseshoe Road seeks to certify its existing mixed use as a restaurant with guest rooms.

The application, numbered 23/07658/CLE, was received and validated on October 25, 2023.

It is currently under consideration and awaiting decision.

In response to the planning submission, over 30 punters and the Parish Council have voiced their objections, challenging the establishment's claim of being a restaurant.

Insisting that the place has been operating as a pub, they defend its important role in their community life.

The contentious disagreement sparked commentary from locals recalling their memories of The Mash Inn being their cosy neighbourhood pub.

Victoria Griffiths, residing at Colliers Farm, passionately remembers The Mash Inn as a bustling village pub since her lifetime in Radnage.

She recalled how the place was always a comfortable setting to unwind and socialise over a drink.

She clarified that although meals were available, the presence of a restaurant element doesn't change its inherent nature as a pub.

Nick Urry, another local based at Bennett End Farm, questioned the validity of changing the use retrospectively.

He argued that the pub has been functioning with a public house usage since 1745, including the period under Nick Mash's operation.

He shared concerns about a potential manipulative effort to rewrite history essentially to make a profit.

Backing the public outcry, the Radnage Parish Council also put forth their strong disapproval of the proposed change in application.

Cllr Keith Mathews emphasised that losing a pub in their community would be a major setback.

He said: "To lose another pub in the village would be detrimental to our community.

"We understand there are currently 30 Objections to the change of use and up to 20 signed affidavits from residents who have either worked at, or frequented the premises within the past 10 years.

"It would appear the information being supplied might be misleading with the intent to gain a change of lawful use to a restaurant which would ultimately make it easier to convert the premises to residential.

"We would encourage you to reject this application.

"It is being claimed that The Mash has only operated as a restaurant for the past 10 years which it would appear is factually untrue."

Meanwhile, Charlotte Harris, a visitor from The White House, Bishopstone, echoed similar sentiments.

She reminiscences visiting The Mash Inn, originally known as the Three Horseshoes, regularly since 2012 for after-work drinks.

Altogether, the application has amassed 30 objections to the change in use, with up to 20 signed affidavits from residents either working at The Mash Inn or frequenting it within the past 10 years.

All concerned parties firmly stand together requesting Buckinghamshire Council to not accept the alteration in use and maintain The Mash Inn's identity as a cherished pub.

While the council adjudicates this matter, The Mash Inn sits at the heart of an impassioned debate between the letter of the application and the spirit of a community.