Dacorum villagers continue fight to 'save' traditional boozer

Residents in Potten End are 'fighting to save' The Plough pub being turned into housing by property developers for a second time this year and are calling for the public's help.

Known as a traditional boozer, The Plough is designated as an asset of community value, but in May the pub’s owner submitted a planning application for change of use from pub to residential.

Villagers were quick to object and volunteers launched a social enterprise fundraising campaign to raise the capital needed to purchase the pub, undertake a programme of refurbishment and keep The Plough as a community asset.

Sarah Lowther, who is part of the fundraising campaign, claims the first planning application to have Potten End's historic pub changed to residential use was overturned after overwhelming objections from the community.

She said: "But the owner has now put in a second application and we’re in a déjà vu dilemma and need to object to this fresh submission.

"Our focus remains on fundraising. We’re now half-way to our target of buying The Plough to preserve the building as a community asset for future generations and run the pub as a social enterprise.

"So thank you so much to the 100+ villagers and Dacorum residents who have pledged their money, time or services to return The Plough back to its former glory as a community hub for Potten End.

"We are now in a position where we can approach banks and other lenders to make up the shortfall, but we’d much rather keep it in community hands. So please, if you have considered making a donation, or if you would like to increase your pledge, contact [email protected]."

Plans have been submitted to Dacorum Borough Council by the freeholder to change the use from class A4 to class C3 residential including internal alterations and a single storey rear extension.

The planning application is due to be reviewed by Dacorum on November 13.

Musicians from the BBC Symphony, Royal Ballet Sinfonia, City of London Sinfonia and the John Wilson Orchestra gave their time free to create a 'Save The Plough' single penned by Potten End musician Martin Davies.