Confusion over the name of Newbury's second-oldest pub is to be resolved.

A major facelift is underway at Northbrook Street pub The Monument, and pub owner Enterprise Inns is removing all references to the Tap & Spile.

The Tap & Spile nom de plume first emerged in the early 1990s, when pub brands like the Rat & Parrot and Slug & Lettuce were all the rage.

Many young people know the 17th century protected inn as 'the Tap', while older locals tend to refer to it as the Monny or Monument.

The new owners are hoping to retain the existing clientele, but to create a more tasteful and appealing frontage. However, West Berkshire Council says no decision has yet been made, even though scaffolding has gone up around the pub this week.

Is this yet another instance of a company ignoring planning constraints and going ahead without permission?

They've also knocked about, refurbished much of the inside. I'm assuming there must be permission from the Secretary of State or someone to do this...

Threep.

Quoted from Threepwood

They've also knocked about, refurbished much of the inside. I'm assuming there must be permission from the Secretary of State or someone to do this... Threep.

Don't need it any more, there's a war on don't you know!

It looks a bit well-to-do for the layabouts I believe drink in there. I've always thought that place would make a nice high-class restaurant.

I have watched that tree grow out of the roof of The Monument Inn for about 5 years...its time to cut it down,now,!

Well, the work is complete.  At least the sign is better than the one for which they sought planning permission (at least it depicts The Monument).

And planning? According to the online planning data WBC have not yet decided whether to approve the works.

Where were you WBC?

And now the government are planning to put local authorities in charge of ancient monuments and listed buildings - obviously so they can demolish and build over even more of our history.

Here is the Monument in its new colours: no doubt they will soon get permission to make these changes.

I can't see how anybody could object to that facade. Very tasteful.

Old Bill anticipating a horde of angry planners ????

Oh, by the way, don't push it with the A board

Quoted from brian

I can't see how anybody could object to that facade. Very tasteful.

Old Bill anticipating a horde of angry planners ????

Oh, by the way, don't push it with the A board

I did prefer the previous colour scheme and smaller sign, and much prefered the old inn sign - but it is not an objectionable facade and it probably meets all the requirements of a listed building in a conservation area. What concerns me is that they have gone ahead with the work without waiting for planning permission. In my opinion they should prosecuted for flouting the planning laws.

The monument dispayed on the swinging sign is not a local monument so is it the one raised in London to mark the 'Great Fire of London'. ?

I'm not sure if they've flouted planning rules inside but the exterior design and the signs have been similar on three face lifts. I see that they have retained the old Hall's of Oxford tiles alongside the entrance. That should please the Anchor tile brigade.

See the photographs on the forum.

Quoted from blackdog

Well, the work is complete.

Not by a long chalk...

Lunchtime today, upon seeing a double sink unit, huge cooker hood, the manager and a piano standing on the pavement.......(and pretty much verbaitum)

" Hi Neil.....moving out then?"

" No, knocking two walls down to fit me new kitchen in.."

"ah..that explains the old sinks 'n' stuff then.."

"lot of it no good, chef always griping"

"your permission come through then?"

"eh?"

"from the council..all that building regs good stuff...you know, permission to remove interior walls..same as with the sign......came through at last did it?"

"f*** you and f*** them..."


Nice.


Come on WBC....you have a duty of care here...it's being irrevocably changed inside, and changed without permission outside. Why not sit back and do nothing? oh yeah, you're already doing that, which would mean only one of two things....WBC are either incompetent (and unable to look after our heritage properly) or someone somewhere has been bribed by Enterprise Inns. Which is it?


Threep.

Companies get away with the murder of old buildings - because the laws supposedly there to protect the buildings are toothless.

Did they even bother to apply for listed building permission to change the interior? I suspect that most don't.

If it, or any part of it, is listed, the following must apply.....(from WBC's own site)

Listed Buildings

Listed buildings are those structures included in the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.

The majority of works to listed buildings (including internal alterations) require Listed Building Consent, and may also require planning permission.

The specialist nature of listed buildings is such that we would advise that you employ an architect to prepare drawings for you, and that they supervise the works on site if permission is granted.

Further information regarding Listed Buildings can be obtained from English Heritage, from Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 or from the Council's Conservation Officer.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT CARRYING OUT WORKS TO A LISTED BUILDING WITHOUT OBTAINING LISTED BUILDING CONSENT IS A CRIMINAL ACT.


Let's see what happens eh?



Threep.