Wimbledon Village residents in protest over "abhorrent" plans for former King of Denmark pub (From This Is Local London)

Wimbledon Village residents in protest over "abhorrent" plans for former King of Denmark pub

2:51pm Tuesday 9th February 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(3)

Plans for an “abhorrent” bar and block of flats in Wimbledon Village could be given the go ahead on Thursday, despite protests from the building’s neighbours.

The derelict King of Denmark pub, which sits in a conservation area, could be knocked down and replaced with a three-storey building. Developers want to build a bar and restaurant and 14 flats on the Ridgway site.

An outline planning application for the building was rejected by Merton Council in 2008, but the decision was overturned by the Planning Inspectorate on appeal. Thursday’s council planning meeting will decide whether to allow a change to these plans, which initially included office space on the building’s first floor.

Secretary of the St Johns Area Residents Association, Judy Ruston, said: “These plans are outrageous. The pub is surrounded on three sides by residential properties. We will fight this development all the way.”

A spokesman for the campaign said 45 residents gathered outside the derelict pub last month to object to the proposed building, which they argue would increase pressure on parking spaces and bring unwelcome noise to the neighbourhood.

They have also criticised the design submitted by developer Andrew Pinchin, the man behind other controversial buildings nearby.

In a letter to planning officers, Martin Flack of Spencer Hill said: “It’s style is as abhorrent, incongruous and unsuitable.”

Angry residents have been backed by conservation group the Wimbledon Society.

Mr Pinchin said: “The scheme is for a traditional brick built building with a hipped roof, which is designed to enhance and be fully in keeping with the conservation area. Under current planning regulations the flats will not be entitled to apply for residents parking permits. Residential units above commercial properties are common throughout the area.”

If the bid is successful, Mr Pinchin hopes to start building work this spring and finish it in autumn 2011.

What do you think of the plans? Use the form below to let us know...