Template:Courier-OCT-25-22a
WINNING HORSE CAMPAIGN BEATEN BY PLAN FOR HOUSES
Hopes of reopening The Winning Horse pub in Coverts Road as a community venue have been dashed, despite tireless efforts and widespread community support for the plan put forward by the Claygate Community Benefit Society.
The September meeting of the Elmbridge East Area Planning Sub-committee approved a planning application to convert the pub into residential housing. This decision came despite 80 formal objections, many from local residents deeply concerned about losing the last remaining community facility serving the Coverts Road end of the village.
Local resident Doug Edwards spoke at the meeting on behalf of the objectors but to no avail. Independent Councillor Mary Marshall stood alone in opposing the application. All the other members of the Committee, however, including Claygate's other Ward Councillors, supported the application and the change of use from a pub to housing.
The Claygate Community Benefit Society was established last year with a single mission to save The Winning Horse and transform it into a vibrant hub for the local community. Unfortunately, the withdrawal of the Community Ownership Fund following the change of government, coupled with an unsuccessful lottery funding bid, significantly hindered the Society's ability to move forward.
Although The Winning Horse was designated as an Asset of Community Value, this status offered no protection, as the property is no longer on the market. It is understood the conversion is being undertaken by its current owners.
The Society thanks everyone who rallied behind the campaign. While disappointed that they could not "Save The Winner", the Society takes some comfort in knowing that the historic building will be preserved, it will be converted into two houses, with a four-bedroom detached home being built in the garden.
The Benefit Society, however, is to keep running for the time being and use its funds to support a Claygate food bank initiative, in accordance with its constitution.
