Plans to convert all but a small bar area at The Alfred pub in Upper Hale into residential accommodation could leave the popular freehouse “financially unviable”, Farnham Town Council has said.
The council says the 9 Bishops Road pub is “an important community facility and is very popular for both drinking and dining”, and stressed the “importance of public houses to the social fabric of the town”.
It added “no equivalent facilities are available in the vicinity of The Alfred”.
Read more about The Alfred's conversion plans here.
Farnham Town Council's objection in full
Farnham Town Council would regret the loss of public space at The Alfred Free House.
The public house is an important community facility and is very popular for both drinking and dining.
It is appreciated that the current financial climate is difficult, and the family has additional needs.
The proposals reduce the available facilities considerably and has the potential to leave The Alfred Free House financially unviable.
Farnham Neighbourhood Plan policy FNP25 identifies the importance of public houses to the social fabric of the town.
No equivalent facilities are available in the vicinity of The Alfred Free House.