Waverley Borough Council is investigating claims that three new town centre ‘pubs’ are flouting planning regulations by operating under ‘A3’ restaurant/cafe classes, it has been confirmed.

Farnham PubWatch, a voluntary scheme representing pubs and bars across the town, recently held an emergency meeting attended by 12 town licensees, to discuss concerns surrounding The Lost Boy in Downing Street, The Castle Inn in Castle Street and The Botanist in The Borough.

The Herald understands these concerns centre on the fact both The Lost Boy and The Castle Inn market themselves as ‘pubs’, and The Botanist as a ‘cocktail bar’, despite not being classed as ‘A4’ drinking establishments.

Speaking to the Herald, PubWatch secretary, and landlord of Borelli’s Wine Bar, David Quick described it as “unacceptable” that there is “not a level playing field for operators within this town”.

All three operators inherited their use classes from previous occupiers: The Lost Boy from Loch Fyne, The Castle Inn from Brasserie Blanc and The Botanist from Cafe Rouge. But Mr Quick believes each has avoided applying for a change of use, as it would invite scrutiny from council planners and residents.

The Borelli’s landlord is also concerned the influx of drinking establishments in the town centre could set a precedent for other parts of town, opening the door for larger operators such as Wetherspoons in to The Woolmead and Brightwells developments.

Mr Quick added: “It’s not right that big operators are allowed to move into the town and not adapt to the law. Waverley should do something about it.”

Responding, a Waverley spokesman said: “The council is aware concerns have been raised regarding the appropriateness of the use class of certain licensed premises in Farnham and the matter is currently under investigation.”

Mark Robson, managing director of The Castle Inn owners Red Mist, expressed his disappointment at PubWatch’s stance, and stressed 70 per cent of The Castle Inn’s trade is food and 85 per cent of its floor space is given over to dining.

“For these reasons we are entirely comfortable operating under an A3 planning classification,” he said.

Peter Borg-Neal, CEO of The Lost Boy owners Oakman Inns, added the “legal quagmire” surrounding planning classes “has never really benefited anyone”.

He claimed most local authorities understand the hospitality industry has “fundamentally changed over the past decade”, adding “these old nomenclatures have little relevance in the 21st century”.The Herald has approached The Botanist for a comment.