“WE WILL fight this every step of the way”.

That is the message from residents fighting a planning application that will see their community’s pub’s beer garden turned into two residential units.

Residents in Preston Candover have expressed their upset and anger about plans by Red Oak Taverns that will see The Purefoy Arms’ pub garden reduced to accommodate two residential units.

Residents are saying that if this planning application is successful, it would lead to a loss of parking, the pub garden and storage which would make the pub untenable.

The community has mobilised in force, saying it feels anger and concern at the possibility of losing its local pub, which residents say serves as the hub of this community.

Jane Barnett, a resident objecting to the plans, said: “The Purefoy Arms is a vital village asset, it feels like it’s moving towards a full change of use of the Purefoy Arms which would be detrimental to the village as a whole.”

Another resident, Jonathan Marriott, added: “The Purefoy pub is the hub for the local community and is an important venue for local weddings, birthdays, christenings and wakes.

“It enables them to enjoy a range of drinks and food in a pleasant, convivial atmosphere, it also enables local people to meet and socialise in a welcoming environment which they find rewarding and enjoyable.”

There are also concerns over the positioning of the proposed properties, described as being on a “blind bend” with two junctions nearby and no footpath for safety.

Karen Evans-Prosser, another village resident, said: “The development is totally unsuitable being on the very dangerous blind bend.

“It will only be a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or worse.”

The planning application put forward by Red Oak Taverns states: “The pub currently provides an aspirational food menu and sufficient space internally and within the garden for functions such as weddings, wakes and parties the proposal will allow the commercial enterprise of the pub to expand and further help support and safeguard its future.”

There is a village meeting at 8pm in Preston Candover Hall on December 8 about the plans.

To view the application, go to planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications and search for the code 17/03773/LBC.