Decision due on knocking down vacant Burgess Hill pub

The closure of the Weald Inn in Royal George Road back in February left regulars devastated.

Greene King, which owned the pub, said it had made the ‘difficult decision that it was no longer a viable long-term prospect’.

Developers now want to knock down the pub and build ten new homes in its place.

An application is set to be discussed by Mid Sussex District Council’s planning committee next Thursday (November 12).

Officers are recommending approval.

Their planning report says: “Whilst the loss of the community facility is regrettable, it has been demonstrated that the use as a pub is no longer viable and that there are a number of duplicate facilities in the locality which can accommodate the loss of the pub.”

A total of six objections have been received, raising concerns about the loss of the pub, the access from Weald Road, parking, increased traffic, loss of trees and the impact on the outlook of neighbouring properties.

The development would be two storeys high and constructed in brick with slate roofs. There would be pitched elements to the front and rear of the units with gable roofs.

The mix would be seven three-bed houses, one two-bed house and two two-bedroom flats.

The proposal includes 20 car parking spaces.

Existing conifer trees on the boundaries of the site are set to be removed as part of the redevelopment scheme.