Ashford Borough Council Approves Conversion of Historic Pub into Residential Property

In a recent decision, the Ashford Borough Council planning committee voted seven to five in favor of converting a historic pub into a residential property. The owners, who had struggled to maintain the business viability, submitted plans earlier this year to transform the 16th-century building into a home after extensive efforts to sell it as a pub since November 2020. During the council meeting, it was highlighted that the couple had engaged four different estate agents in their attempts to market the pub. Local residents expressed their disappointment, with one villager lamenting the loss of the pub as a community hub. Concerns were raised about the diminishing importance of pubs in local communities, with some questioning the message this decision sends to other villages facing similar challenges. The pub's owner, Glenn Spalding, had initially proposed the conversion plans in January. Meanwhile, the involvement of a well-known television personality, who has been linked to Spalding, added a layer of intrigue to the situation. Although she initially denied any romantic connection, her presence near Spalding's home has fueled speculation about their relationship. As the community grapples with the loss of the pub, many residents hope that the new home will still contribute positively to the village, despite the absence of a gathering place that once served as a focal point for local life.