Villagers are concerned that a former 16th century pub which has been left an ‘eyesore’ could be changed into residential use.
Those living in Maulden say they don’t want to lose the Grade IIlisted George Inn forever after it was sold under auction last September. And they’ve even sent their objections to Central Bedfordshire Council even though no application has yet been submitted.
Phil Allen who was a regular at the pubsaid the building had been boarded up last year after it was sold by Enterprise Inns.
He said:“As a listed building the owners should preserve it for the local community and the nation but it’s now a neglected eyesore.”
The 66-year-old said the pub played an important role in village life and although no plans have yet been submitted for the site he said: “It is assumed that the owners will apply for planning to develop the site and for a change of use. Many villagers are opposed to this and consequently many people have already written to Central Beds Council to object to any application for change of use.”
Councillor Ken Matthews, Central Bedfordshire Council's Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Economic Development, said: "We haven't received any formal planning applications for the The George Pub in Maulden, but have had six pre-application enquiries.
"If we do receive a formal application for change of use to the pub, only those objections received within during the consultation will be considered."
