Sandhurst pub The Fox and Hounds set to be demolished

The future of The Fox and Hounds, on Hancombe Road, looked set back in 2018 when plans were approved to convert the drinking establishment into two new homes.

But fast-forward two-and-a-half years and new proposals have been drawn up to demolish the derelict pub instead.

Why?

This is because “several issues” have been identified in trying to retain and convert The Fox and Hounds into the new homes by developers and council building regulators.

During the redevelopment, the existing foundations and walls were found to have structural problems as the brickwork was of “poor quality”, “structurally inefficient”, and “unstable and crumbling.”

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A planning statement produced by the applicants read: “Following consultations between Bracknell Forest Council building control and ourselves, we both considered the practice to be highly risky and extremely dangerous from a health and safety perspective.

“Demolishing the existing public house and rebuilding it will enable the construction of more sufficient and safer foundations.”

With this assessment in mind, applicants submitted a new plan to demolish The Fox and Hounds instead of converting it.

What is planned now?

The demolition would be followed by the building of two new homes as originally planned.

They would be three-bedroom and four-bedroom houses.

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Parking for seven cars would also be provided at the site. No decision has been made on this plan yet.

What's the history of the pub?

According to applicants, The Fox and Hounds building dates back to the 18th century.

It was originally built as a dwelling house but was converted to a pub in the latter part of the 19th century.

Which other pubs are nearby?

The closest pub to The Fox and Hounds is The Bird in the Hand, which is just 250 metres walking distance.

The Village Inn is around 1.5km away from the Hancombe Road pub.

Which other pubs closed in Sandhurst?

The Fox and Hounds’ demolition comes after another Sandhurst establishment closed in 2016.

The Jolly Farmer on Yorktown Road made way for 42 sheltered apartments for the elderly.

Another pub to close in the town was The Dukes Head.

READ MORE: Sandhurst pub wins planning battle -- but residents aren't happy

In 2015, developers got permission to change the use of the site after landlords cleared out in summer 2013.

Designers got the all-clear to turn the pub into a home just over five years ago.

One pub that has managed to survive is the Rose and Crown, which was recently refurbished after a drawn-out planning battle to add two homes at the back of the establishment’s beer garden.