51 replies to this topic

[Duncan]

I was surprised to drive past the Red Lion earlier and see that it was half demolished.

I'd heard that the landlords had changed a while back but hadn't seen anything saying that this was coming. I assume it's going to be developed on, but haven't seen planning permission etc. Does anyone know what's happening?

[roob_the_doob]

It's not always easy to get change of use for a site. But if you buy the property and knock it down, it's then much easier to get the site developed.

That's what was done with the Iron Horse - there was no planning permission in place, but they pulled it down anyway.

[147]

It's not always easy to get change of use for a site. But if you buy the property and knock it down, it's then much easier to get the site developed.

That's what was done with the Iron Horse - there was no planning permission in place, but they pulled it down anyway.

Allegedly it's the same company who knocked the cottage down opposite and the Iron Horse who own this site.

[Old Resident]

What next ... The Boot and Slipper ? I do hope not.

[Matthew (MPJ/Admin)]

There is no obvious planning application on the Chiltern Council web site

[147]

I would imagine that if it is the Michael Shanley Group, that they have demolished it without planning approval and will then cite safety reasons for the demolition of an empty building that was ripe for striping of its valuable copper.

[PeterC]

I was surprised to drive past the Red Lion earlier and see that it was half demolished.

I think "drive past" are the operative words here. Use it or loose it!

[primrose]

I think "drive past" are the operative words here. Use it or loose it!

My son and his friends were sad to see The Red Lion demolished. They used to go there on a regular basis to have a drink and game of pool.

[GillB]

I'm so sad to see this. I had my first (underage) drink at a pub there some 40 years ago and we used to play pool in the front righthand bar a couple of evenings a week.
I'm surprised there wasn't some sort of protection on the building because it was pretty old.

[primrose]

I would imagine that if it is the Michael Shanley Group, that they have demolished it without planning approval and will then cite safety reasons for the demolition of an empty building that was ripe for striping of its valuable copper.

Would this be the same Micheal Shanley?


http://www.bucksfree...evasion/?ref=eb

[147]

That would be the one. not going to make any further comment. But if his co. were involved in the demolishing of the Red Lion. Well you can make your own minds up.

[Eaton]

There's now an article in the BFP: http://www.bucksfree...er_it_was_sold/

[ITSMEAGAIN]

What next ... The Boot and Slipper ? I do hope not.

I'd be happy for the Boot & Slipper to be replaced by a better food and watering hole. Chef & Brewer have different grades of 'pub' and this falls into their 'low' category. They get away with it because there's no immediate competition.

[Eaton]

I'd be happy for the Boot & Slipper to be replaced by a better food and watering hole. Chef & Brewer have different grades of 'pub' and this falls into their 'low' category. They get away with it because there's no immediate competition.

I have to agree! Admittedly I haven't been there for 2-3 years (so it's possible that it's improved) but the standard of their food had rapidly declined over the previous 4-5 years.

[ClaireRose]

I used to be a regular at the Boot & Slipper some 5-6 years back. The choice used to be fantastic and food was always beautiful. For me to say this being a vegetarian is quite something!

Now however, it is absolutely dire. The food, the service and the atmosphere are all abysmal.

[Ian]

Someone I know who lives on Chestnut Lane tells me they're building an old folks home on the site.

[Bluegrass]

Whilst always sad to lose a local amenity, I can't say I will shed any tears over this. Only went in once with a friend. It was the most unfriendly hostile pub I have ever been in and we left within a few minutes. I too have heard rumours of an old folks home. If they have done this without permission shouldn't the council refuse to grant any planning permission other than for a pub?

[147]

Whilst always sad to lose a local amenity, I can't say I will shed any tears over this. Only went in once with a friend. It was the most unfriendly hostile pub I have ever been in and we left within a few minutes. I too have heard rumours of an old folks home. If they have done this without permission shouldn't the council refuse to grant any planning permission other than for a pub?

According to todays Examiner they want to build nine homes on the site. If you build twelve or more, affordable housing has to be included, so we can take it that they wont be cheap homes.

[Fran]

According to todays Examiner they want to build nine homes on the site. If you build twelve or more, affordable housing has to be included, so we can take it that they wont be cheap homes.

Also according to today's Examiner, "The community is calling on developers to consider their needs... and that any development on the land is community-based"! Call me cynical, but I don't see that happening.

[Amersham Resident]

I did try it a couple of times, not great, it was very run down and hardly a pub you'd rush back to. That said I was slightly saddened to see it being brought down that Saturday morning. I was walking my dog when they started pulling it down and the contractors seemed pretty furtive (for whatever reason).

I always thought you had to give warning to local residents if you were demolishing anything, but I must be wrong as a Friend who lives close by said no one seemed to know anything.

I wonder if the local council will take the chance to widen that odd bend there where the pavement runs out?

[wooddies]

A planning application has been submitted for this site. Make's interesting reading and no reference from what I can see to the trees that were felled before demolishion

[Fado]

This appears to be the planning application

https://isa.chiltern...l=MAUMPBES06E00

[Bawbag]

I like the way the application opens with a bunch of paper excuses about knocking the place down without prior authorisation.

Flagrant disregard for due process. I wouldn't even entertain them.

[Amersham Resident]

Well it's as expected and clearly as many thought they obviously had no fear of doing what they did when they did.

They'll get permission they need, in Amersham they always do, even if it looks like once again these places are going to be the absolute minimum size you can imagine.

I do wonder just how many more homes the local council think this area can cram in.

[Amersham Resident]

Well looking at the planned plot layout you can already envisage that the garages will hardly ever be used and for all pratical purposes the planner might have well just called them 'additional storage units for old rubbish'!

The plot is far too intensive and the cars of both the new owners and visitors will soon make this narrow bend an additional nightmare to navigate as they park in the street or on the pavements.

Probably one of the worst over-intensive plans I've ever seen locally.

[PaulEden]

There's now an article in the BFP: http://www.bucksfree...er_it_was_sold/

Aside: The comments about proof reading in that article made me chuckle.

[Fran]

According to todays Examiner they want to build nine homes on the site. If you build twelve or more, affordable housing has to be included, so we can take it that they wont be cheap homes.

Today's Examiner says the application is for seven houses and two flats, with a decision due on December 4th.

[Amersham Resident]

If it goes ahead as currently planned, the parking will end up being another awful bottleneck where either residents and or vistors will once again park in the street or woth two wheels up on the pavement, blocking access for walkers and drivers alike.

[David P]

If it goes ahead as currently planned, the parking will end up being another awful bottleneck where either residents and or vistors will once again park in the street or woth two wheels up on the pavement, blocking access for walkers and drivers alike.

If you are concerned then you should respond directly to the planning application. I don't suppose the planning officers follow this forum.

[Amersham Resident]

I drove past the red lion a couple of times at the weekend and noticed that someone (site owners) have taken to placing plastic bollards for no parking have been placed all along the width of the site, but either side the parking seems to have got worse!

Anyone know if the council have placed these bollards there or is it the site owners, as I was wondering on whose authority they could do that?