Fierce row over ‘gaudy’ gastropub close to dwelling of Shakespeare’s spouse | UK | News | EUROtoday

Residents and historical past buffs have hit out on the proprietor of an Indian gastropub in Stratford-upon-Avon for its “disrespectful” proximity to the house of Shakespeare’s spouse Anne Hathaway.

The Cask N Tandoor was constructed by Rakesh Singh on the sting of the grounds of his four-star Burnside Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon in March with out planning permission.

Mr Singh, whose glitzy resort costs £265 an evening, has come underneath fireplace from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in addition to native authorities for the boozer’s incursion onto the conservation land close to the 14th century farmhouse the place Anne Hathaway grew up.

He could possibly be pressured by the council to demolish the pub, which has additionally met with opposition from these dwelling in Shottery, the small and rich hamlet the place Shakespeare’s spouse spent her youth and the place home costs hover round £500,000.

Mr Singh was initially granted permission to interchange a shed on the grounds with a resort extension comprising two bedrooms and a plant room – however got here underneath strain from the council when he doubled the dimensions of the event earlier than turning it right into a gastropub.

Stratford District Council refused to award the pub retrospective planning permission final week, suggesting that it fails to “enhance the character” of the beautiful spot.

Locals have criticised the constructing’s affect on wildlife in Shottery brook, and environmental injury was among the many causes flagged by planners for refusing to present it a inexperienced mild.

During the appliance course of, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which manages the cottage the place Anne Hathaway grew up, launched authorized motion towards Mr Singh on the grounds that his new pub “intrudes” on their land.

They additionally recommended that it had “a detrimental impact on the rural community and … the character of the area”.

And Shottery residents have been of an analogous opinion – with one calling on the council to demand that Mr Singh demolish the “gaudy monstrosity” as quickly as potential.

“[He] has shown a complete lack of respect and a brazen disregard for planning laws [as well as] a casual disrespect for wildlife,” one other mentioned.

While a 3rd added: “This is simply not the appropriate place to have a loud sports bar and Indian restaurant. Thousands of tourists visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage every year and shouldn’t be exposed to this kind of establishment.”

A spokesperson for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust mentioned: “The works have overdeveloped the site in contravention of local planning policy, the existing restrictive covenant and does not respect the amenity of the surrounding properties, including Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.”

Stansgate Planning, on behalf of Mr Singh, mentioned: “We are currently reviewing the reasons for refusal and all the consultation comments with a view to either submitting another planning application or appealing against the decision.”

Stratford District Council declined to remark, stating that the appliance remains to be being handled as “live”.