DEVELOPERS have struck a deal and submitted fresh plans which would see GreathamÕs Silver Birch Inn give way to houses and The Queen refurbished.
Under the new plans, designed to allay local fears that Greatham will lose both its pubs to housing development, 16 homes would be built at the site of the Silver Birch.
The Queen, which has been derelict for more than a year, would also have two detached homes built on its car park, but would be refurbished and reopened.
However, Greatham Parish Council is not convinced that the village will be getting the best deal and remains sceptical.
The parish council heard last Wednesday that architects Denning Male Polisano had submitted a planning application to East Hampshire District Council for the Silver Birch site on behalf of Pitch Ltd.
It seeks permission to change the use of the site from a pub to housing, allowing the development of 16 new homes.
Andrew Guy, from Denning Male Polisano, explained: ÒThe development will create 16 new two/three storey dwellings in addition to the retention of Witham House as a large family house.
ÒThere has been consultation with the parish at each stage of the design process and the scheme has been developed in conjunction with the planning department prior to submission.Ó
If this application is granted, a legal agreement would be in place linking the application to another submitted by Greene King Plc for The Queen.
It seeks to build two detached homes next to The Queen, which would be refurbished.
ÒOf the two public houses in Greatham, the Queen has already closed and the Silver Birch is encountering dire financial circumstances,Ó Mr Guy said.
ÒIf the planners agree to the applications on both sides, The Queen will receive a major capital investment from Pitch Limited and this will enable the pub to be refurbished and reopened.
ÒThe proposed redevelopment of the Silver Birch site accords with the governmentÕs policy aims for the best utilisation of previously developed land for new housing and creation of sustainable communities.
ÒThe architecture will reflect local traditions and building materials, with additional inspiration from traditional oasthouse forms to be found in the locality.
ÒThe application also includes a comprehensive design statement document which discusses all aspects of the design and highlights the importance of respecting the existing village setting.Ó
The fresh plans were submitted after a previous unsuccessful attempt to develop both sites last year.
An application to build seven homes on the site of The Queen was refused by planning officers because the applicant, Greene King Brewery, had failed to prove that the pub was no longer viable.
A separate application for 15 homes on the Silver Birch was withdrawn last year before planning officers could refuse it.
Villagers and the parish council were concerned about the impact on the village if Greatham were to lose both its pubs.
The parish council organised a public meeting and a questionnaire in which 92.9 per cent of those who replied wanted a pub to remain in the village.
Last Wednesday parish councillors examined the latest plans for the first time and expressed concern that the applications will not secure the long-term future provision of a public house in Greatham.
Chairman Elwyn Evans was especially concerned that, under the plans, The Queen would only need to be open as a public house for 12 months.
This sparked suspicion that The Queen would only remain open for that period before permission was sought to close it and turn the site into homes.
ÒI see this 12 months as a way out for them,Ó he said.
Parish councillors will consider the plans further before agreeing whether or not to object. The final decision is expected to fall to East Hampshire District CouncilÕs south planning committee.
Anyone with any comments on the applications should send them to case officer Chris Lyons at East Hampshire District Council, Penns Place, Petersfield, Hants GU31 4EX.