David Davies, the MP for Monmouth, today hit out at plans to turn a popular public house in Shirenewton into residential houses. The lease for the Tan House is owned by a development company who are planning to replace the pub with two homes and build a further three homes in the adjacent car park.
The landlord, Steve Lacey, was first informed of the proposed development when his neighbours were asked by post if they would have any objections to the plans, and if these go ahead, Mr. Lacey, his wife and three children, will be made homeless. Local opposition has swiftly grown in light of the fact that the pub is a key local employer as well as a popular haunt for residents of the village and beyond.
Speaking from Monmouth today, David said, “This whole situation is an absolute disgrace. It is unacceptable that a company with no local connections should have the power to shut down this popular pub and, in doing so, make the hard-working landlord and his family homeless. Coming at this time of year this sorry tale could have come straight from the pen of Charles Dickens, but sadly it’s really taking place.
“I shall be fighting for the people of Shirenewton so that they can retain the Tan House as their local pub, and fighting to ensure that Mr. Lacey and his family are not cast out onto the street. I oppose these plans vehemently and will be looking to ensure that the local residents do not have to suffer as a result of these ill-thought out proposals.