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From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Rachael Woods, 24 February 2020.
The Plough Inn in Brabourne Lees near Ashford saved from demolition
after Shepherd Neame sale.
An 18th century pub has escaped demolition and is set to be transformed
into a "stunning" family home.
The last pint was pulled at The Plough Inn in Brabourne Lees, near
Ashford, 18 months ago when the plot was snapped up by businessman David
Derrick for just short of £400,000.
But the bricklayer-turned-property-developer faced strong opposition
from villagers over his plans to replace the pub with four semi-detached
properties.
Now Mr Derrick's firm DD Brothers Ltd has employed Canterbury-based
Clague Architects to re-imagine the rambling hostelry in Lees Road to
create a luxury single dwelling.
Mr Derrick said: "The building has undergone several extensions and is
not listed but it's in a central location and is seen as part of the
fabric of the community.
"It's part of the memories of people who grew up in the village and went
to the pub and they didn't want to lose it."
Clague has re-worked the first-floor living space in its plan and
architect Pat Mills says that where there were "three tiny bedrooms", by
going deeper into the building they have been able to fit in four double
bedrooms, each with en suite bathrooms.
How the original scheme was set to look.
He said: "The design retains the key historic street facade of the pub
while creating additional accommodation suitable for a family.
"Contemporary side and rear extensions allow a greater area of natural
light into the living spaces."
Mr Derrick said: "We pulled out all the stops and employed a top
architect to get the plans right."
Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has just approved the scheme and Mr
Derrick said that now it has the green light he is considering selling
the site for someone else to develop.
Table and chairs stacked up by the former landlords.
A dusty sofa by the
bar where drinkers could once enjoy a chat
Another original fireplace at
The Plough
The flagstone floor by the bar with its abandoned bar
pumps
Beams and stripped wooden floors at the empty pub.
An estate agent has valued the finished home around the £1m mark, close
to the price of bungalows that have been built in the garden of the
former pub, which was sold off by former owner Shepherd Neame.
The five bungalows in the picturesque village are on the market with S J
Moore estate agents for £775,000 and are described as being in an
exclusive, gated development.
Brabourne Lees parish council clerk Sue Wood said: "The new plans have
been very well received indeed.
"People were absolutely delighted by them when they were presented by
the developer and architect.
"The pub is a landmark building and now it's being re-purposed into a
stunning family home.
"The houses on the original plan were very ordinary but now there is
going to be a super family home in place of the pub."
How the former pub is set to look under the new plan.
Builder John Browning, who lives opposite the site, said that with two
other pubs in the village, The "Woolpack" and the "Blue Anchor," there were
just not enough customers to go round.
He added: "I supported the original plans for the homes as I thought
they would be good for the people of the village.
"But I'm glad that something is being done and the building will not
just be left to fall down." |
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