Smarden, Kent: The wife of celebrity baker Paul Hollywood has faced a wave of criticism after securing planning permission to convert their village pub, The Chequers Inn, into a private residence. The decision has sparked outrage among local residents, who are fighting to preserve the historic inn as a community hub.
Alexandra Hollywood, who has run the pub with her husband for nearly 17 years, defended her decision, highlighting the financial challenges they have faced. âThe last six months have shown us the worst in peopleâs behaviour," she stated, "the personal insults and attacks have been unforgivable.â
She described the dedication her family has poured into the pub, adding, âWe have put our heart and soul into it." Addressing concerns about her elderly parents, who still assist in running the establishment, she asked, "Would you work a 12-to-16-hour shift every day just to make a loss, and would you do it if you were 80 years old with a life-threatening heart condition?"
Hollywood expressed hope that the change of use would pave the way for someone else to take over the pub, âwith the knowledge that they have the benefit of a safety net should the business wind up, which it surely will.â
During the Ashford Borough Council meeting, dozens of residents, including members of the Smarden Community Pub Group, voiced their opposition to the plans. The group has attempted to purchase the pub and operate it as a community-owned inn, akin to The George in nearby Bethersden. However, they claim their offers have been met with indifference from the Hollywoods.
Russ Phipps, representing the Smarden Community Pub Group, argued that the owners seemed more interested in the development potential of the site than its role as a vital community asset. "They seem more intent on the development potential of the site,â he said, adding, âThe planning officers this evening want you to grant this application to turn Smarden's ancient coaching inn, that has been trading successfully for over 600 years, into a house and be lost forever."
Lea Randolph, of Smarden Parish Council, echoed Phipps's sentiments, stating, âTo get more money they want the borough council to turn a Grade II-listed 14th-century heritage asset into a residence and deprive the village of a pub that has been part of village life for over 600 years."
Cllr Linda Harman further emphasized the importance of preserving the pub, stating, âYou lose a pub in a village, you lose something really, really important, not just in terms of being somewhere to drink and eat but in terms of what it provides."
Despite the passionate pleas from local residents, the planning committee voted seven to five in favour of the application, allowing the Hollywoods to convert The Chequers Inn into a private dwelling. The decision has left the community reeling, questioning the future of their cherished village pub.
