A NEW restaurant and pub has been earmarked for a site in Popley by British brewers Marston’s.

Plans to construct an eatery and bar, a flat for the site’s manager and car park have been submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council this month, with a view to building on a patch of unused land in Carpenters Down and Shetland Road.

If successful, Marston’s hopes to create a garden dining area and children’s play area, 52 car park spaces – including three disabled bays – and cycle parking for 24 bikes.

It is anticipated that the pub would cater for around 150 covers and generate between 50 and 60 full-time jobs for locals.

Popley East ward member Cllr David Potter said residents had been contacted for their opinions on the proposed public house, but so far “the over-riding view is that these plans would be opposed.”

Cllr Potter said: “I think the plans will go down like a lead balloon and to be frank I understand the concerns of residents. This site could be used for low-cost housing and I think people would sooner see this than a pub – but it will be interesting to see how it goes.

“In my own view, this community has experience of having a local pub and it wasn’t good. There was a history of pubs with bad management, anti-social behaviour and drugs.

“But what’s worse is the complaints of noise as this pub willonly be around 50 metres away from the closest dwellings to it.”

He added: “The problems with parking are well documented in this area and with 150 covers, 60 staff members and people coming to the pub, I anticipate it could be made even worse.

“You don’t have to be a genius to work out the problems this could have for the local community.”

John McElholm, acquisitions manager for Marston’s said: “We can confirm that we have submitted planning application for the Carpenters Down site. We are hoping to have an update on this in spring this year and look forward to hearing the council’s verdict.”

Residents who wish to express their opinion on the proposals can do so via the council's website but it must be completed by February 28.