Doubts cast over pub development (From News Shopper)

Doubts cast over pub development

12:55pm Friday 11th April 2008 in

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A DEVELOPMENT company which agreed to retain a pub has now cast doubt over its future.

Metroliving Ltd originally applied to turn the Rutland Arms, in Perry Hill, Catford, which shut in December 2006, into flats.

But following a campaign by former regulars who wanted to keep a pub, the company agreed to include a bar in the building as well as flats.

However, director of Metroliving Ltd Raj Kang now admits they may have difficulties selling it because of where it is situated.

He said: "We will market it as a pub but the chance of finding anyone to take it on are quite remote."

"Businesses are not thriving around there any more."

He also thinks they may face problems attracting buyers for the flats.

Mr Kang said: "Who wants to live above a pub?

"It means poorer quality living accommodation.

"This wasn't what we wanted originally."

However, Nigel Blakelock, 57, a former Rutland Arms regular who has supported the campaign, said if it was marketed well, the pub could become a success.

The sales manager said: "I think it could be very popular if it was done properly."

He said he would like a traditional pub with real ale and live music, similar to the Rutland Arms, which regularly hosted jazz musicians and featured in the Campaign for Real Ale's good beer guide Metroliving's first application to turn the pub into flats was turned down.

The plans sparked a campaign and more than 350 people signed a petition.

New proposals to turn the ground floor into a bar and the upper floors into nine flats were deferred in January following concerns a bar would need more storage space to function.

A cellar was added to the plans, which were passed on March 13.