PLANS to revamp a landmark Swindon building have prompted mixed reactions.
The Goddard Arms on Old Town's High Street is to be refurbished in a £1m makeover.
The building's new owners are planning to create a new pub on the ground floor and an 18 bedroom hotel above.
The developer Barracuda Bars has applied for a license to run the venue.
But Richard Brien, who lives on Cricklade Street, has criticised the plans and has written to the council objecting.
"There is no need for any more premises whose main use is the division of alcoholic drunks," he has written.
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"We already have drunks shouting, singing, urinating and being sick on three or four nights a week, up to 3.30am and occasionally causing damage to cars and properties.
"The main reason for my objection is that there is no need for any more premises whose main use is the provision of alcoholic drinks."
Peter Lawson, a planning consultant working for the developer, said: "The schemes will deliver the restoration of the Goddard Arms, being one of Swindon's most important historic buildings, and ensure it continues to be used as a hotel with a high quality bar and restaurant.
"Our clients have listened to the concerns and have revised their development proposals accordingly."
But because of public concerns, raised in the Adver's letters pages, the company is now planning a public meeting .
"We would encourage as many people to come to the meeting as possible as it is one of the most important buildings in Old Town," said Coun Mike Bawden, (Con, Old Town and Lawns).
"This is the time to have your say. If people don't go and make their observations and comments before planning applications get under way, it will be too late.
"The building is one of the best known in Old Town as it has been there in excess of 200 years.
"So it is a matter for the people concerned for its welfare to make sure their points are heard."
The public meeting is on Saturday, March 29, between 10am and 4pm at the Kings Arms Hotel in Wood Street.
Posted by: Captain Sensible, Near Swindon on 7:29am Fri 21 Mar 08
I think its a good idea, in keeping with the history of the building. Provided the pub doesn't have a late license I cannot see what the problem is. Its better than turning in to yet more retirement flats for the living dead. Most of the public order problems in old town stem from that night club (which I beleive recently featured in the Adver for underage drinking).
I think its a good idea, in keeping with the history of the building. Provided the pub doesn't have a late license I cannot see what the problem is. Its better than turning in to yet more retirement flats for the living dead. Most of the public order problems in old town stem from that night club (which I beleive recently featured in the Adver for underage drinking).
[quote]"This is the time to have your say. If people don't go and make their observations and comments before planning applications get under way, it will be too late."[/quote]
I'm sure our 'masters' in the Council actually derive some perverse pleasure in begging us to tell them what we want... while safe in the knowledge that they'll do whatever they please in any case, mainly because nobody can stop them.
Make no mistake, where planning issues are concerned, residents wishes are firmly at the end of the list of priorities.
"This is the time to have your say. If people don't go and make their observations and comments before planning applications get under way, it will be too late."
I'm sure our 'masters' in the Council actually derive some perverse pleasure in begging us to tell them what we want... while safe in the knowledge that they'll do whatever they please in any case, mainly because nobody can stop them.
Make no mistake, where planning issues are concerned, residents wishes are firmly at the end of the list of priorities.
[bold]said Coun Mike Bawden, (Con, Old Town and Lawns).
"This is the time to have your say. If people don't go and make their observations and comments before planning applications get under way, it will be too late.[/bold] Big Mac,your spot on.
I have no doubt at all
that this application has already been rubber stamped for approval.
Public consultations are a FARCE.
Our objections fall on deaf,ignorant ears.
said Coun Mike Bawden, (Con, Old Town and Lawns).
"This is the time to have your say. If people don't go and make their observations and comments before planning applications get under way, it will be too late. Big Mac,your spot on.
I have no doubt at all
that this application has already been rubber stamped for approval.
Public consultations are a FARCE.
Our objections fall on deaf,ignorant ears.
Posted by: Libertarian, Swindon on 2:49pm Fri 21 Mar 08
BWB and Big Mac. Bless you as I bless all s*mple folks.
The Councils Planning department couldn't give a stuff what plans are submitted. It is a matter of indifference to them. Developers could apply to build a rocket launch pad at Goddard if they wanted to. In fact, developers can apply to do same in your back garden even though you own it. That’s the law and the Council can't stop them.
[bold]The Councils job is to interpret the law when, and only when, plans are submitted[/bold] .
The developer is offering residents the chance to have an input and not the Council. That is not the Councils job.
The developer might be able to make some changes or residents may ask for something quite unrealistic and there is nothing the developer can do to help them with their ideas. I’m sure residents frequently have opposing views.
If residents don't want to bother it's up to them. When, and if, changes are made then, AND ONLY THEN, they will be submitted to the planning department.
Why self appointed experts (the dullest of all) seem to believe that the Council have already approved it is a demonstration that many don't have the first idea of how planning works, or at which stage the planning department get involved, and how it has to work within the parameters of the law.
BWB and Big Mac. Bless you as I bless all s*mple folks.
The Councils Planning department couldn't give a stuff what plans are submitted. It is a matter of indifference to them. Developers could apply to build a rocket launch pad at Goddard if they wanted to. In fact, developers can apply to do same in your back garden even though you own it. That’s the law and the Council can't stop them.
The Councils job is to interpret the law when, and only when, plans are submitted .
The developer is offering residents the chance to have an input and not the Council. That is not the Councils job.
The developer might be able to make some changes or residents may ask for something quite unrealistic and there is nothing the developer can do to help them with their ideas. I’m sure residents frequently have opposing views.
If residents don't want to bother it's up to them. When, and if, changes are made then, AND ONLY THEN, they will be submitted to the planning department.
Why self appointed experts (the dullest of all) seem to believe that the Council have already approved it is a demonstration that many don't have the first idea of how planning works, or at which stage the planning department get involved, and how it has to work within the parameters of the law.
Posted by: Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon on 5:58pm Fri 21 Mar 08
Libertarian I agree they are there to interpret the law. That is the problem. Take smoking shelters. Councils countrywide are making things up as they go along. In fairness to Swindon Borough on this due to constructive dialogue between the Trading Standards and myself, SBC's policy is clear and workable, many other LA's simple construct policies to suit their view about smoking and smokers. Not their job. When I built my first Motel SBC took 18 months to finally give permission. Ironically when the head pallning enforcement officer came to inspect, slight variations to the build. He asked why I had not built in the original location because in his words, 'it was the obvious place to put it'. Shame his colleague who went off to study hotel management didn't agree costing me £50k in lost revenue and additional costs to move my children's play area and create a safe walk way to it. Planners can be the issue. Not the proposal.
Libertarian I agree they are there to interpret the law. That is the problem. Take smoking shelters. Councils countrywide are making things up as they go along. In fairness to Swindon Borough on this due to constructive dialogue between the Trading Standards and myself, SBC's policy is clear and workable, many other LA's simple construct policies to suit their view about smoking and smokers. Not their job. When I built my first Motel SBC took 18 months to finally give permission. Ironically when the head pallning enforcement officer came to inspect, slight variations to the build. He asked why I had not built in the original location because in his words, 'it was the obvious place to put it'. Shame his colleague who went off to study hotel management didn't agree costing me £50k in lost revenue and additional costs to move my children's play area and create a safe walk way to it. Planners can be the issue. Not the proposal.
Libetarian, having actually worked in the Council Planning Department, I can assure you I know precisely how the system works and the comments made in this thread are very close to how things operate.
I'm afraid it's you - who appears to be the very 'self-appointed expert' that you despise - that has made somewhat of a 'simpleton' of themselves.
Libetarian, having actually worked in the Council Planning Department, I can assure you I know precisely how the system works and the comments made in this thread are very close to how things operate.
I'm afraid it's you - who appears to be the very 'self-appointed expert' that you despise - that has made somewhat of a 'simpleton' of themselves.
Posted by: Captain Sensible, Near Swindon on 10:09am Sun 23 Mar 08
The whole of old town is plagued by Air stealers,that useless shop the COOP has to have fast track tills incase the shoppers expire whilst queing up.The whole of the Old Town is in danger of becoming a geriatric theme park.No wonder the COOP have a funeral service.
The whole of old town is plagued by Air stealers,that useless shop the COOP has to have fast track tills incase the shoppers expire whilst queing up.The whole of the Old Town is in danger of becoming a geriatric theme park.No wonder the COOP have a funeral service.
Posted by: hollysmum, Swindon on 11:08am Wed 26 Mar 08
Captain Sensible
Just what have you got against older people? Please, I'd really like to know. Do you think that we should be terminated at 60 - if that's not too old for you?
Captain Sensible
Just what have you got against older people? Please, I'd really like to know. Do you think that we should be terminated at 60 - if that's not too old for you?
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