Forum Topic

Locals Ask Fuller's To Remove Bell & Crown Box Glass Extension

I totally agree that the glass box is a monstrosity and should be removed. Which director of Fullers authorised this construction in front of the beautiful existing windows?  I live next to another Fullers pub and I am now worried that they will "upgrade" this in the same way.

Una-Jane Winfield ● 2442d15 Comments

While ultimately the directors are responsible, as I understand it the plans that were submitted for the extension to the pub were different to those actually built. What exactly happened here remains a mystery but it doesn't look like the decisions were being made at the top level. However, it could be that all of a sudden Fuller's pubs are under a lot more pressure to increase revenues. It may be in the past they have been part subsidised by favourable transfer pricing from the brewery but the price paid by Asahi would suggest that any sweetheart deal has ended and they are having to pay a higher price for beer. If this in turn starts to show up a pub as unprofitable the manager might feel under huge pressure to increase revenues.

Andrew OSullivan ● 2441d

I cannot see any sign of a ground floor extension on the planning application that is referenced in the original article. It seems to be about a first floor extension, internal alterations and alterations at the front. So how can Fullers say it is in accordance with the planning approval. But then we are in the age of alternative facts.

Alan Green ● 2441d

Andrew: Yes, the loss of favourable transfer pricing would certainly put more pressure on managers. However in the longer term Fullers seem to favour keeping pubs and hotels in "prestige" locations and charging premium prices. Fullers are relying on the great abundance of sources of beer to keep beer prices down.... not that "wet" pubs make as much money as food-led ones anyway.

Una-Jane Winfield ● 2441d

As I said on the original thread on this subject it was obvious from the outset that what had been built was nothing like what had been approved.The fact that a retrospective application has since been submitted is effectively an acknowledgement by Fullers that what was built doesn't accord with the previous approval.Why they initially said otherwise I don't know - quite probably no-one from Fullers was directly overseeing the works and were reliant upon their contractors, in the same way that I get permission for developments but I'm rarely involved thereafter to know whether what my client has built on site accords with the permission.I also suspect their planning consultants (who are a very reputable company) told Fullers that a retrospective application wasn't likely to be approved, and it's pretty clear from the application submission that they haven't thrown much money at that retrospective application, not even instructing a heritage consultant to assess the impact of the unauthorised development upon the conservation area.However it is their right to submit a retrospective application (and they'll probably appeal a refusal too).

Adam Beamish ● 2441d

Leaving aside any pressure that may/may not be applied by Asahi, the extension as erected is just PLAIN BLOODY AWFUL!

Jeffrey Cope ● 2441d

Stick some lead strips on the windows x style,paint them white and bobs your uncle.

Julian Pavey ● 2441d

Do you think it could be improve rather than remove.

Janice Evans ● 2441d

It's nothing to do with Asahi - they didn't buy the pubs.

Mark Evans ● 2440d

I've had another look at that extension and it is truly hideous!  It would be hideous wherever it was sited, but particularly so along that lovely stretch of river banged on to an old building.  Nothing can make it look attractive or in keeping - it is just a large, glaring, shiney white plastic and glass ugly box!  I thought Britain was famed for it's creative ability - whoever made this is certainly no designer.  Come on Fuller's/Bell & Crown get a shift on, remove that large ugly box and replace it with a beautifully designed extension in time for the summer trade, one to make you proud too.

Jennifer Selig ● 2440d

They'll probably appeal and string out the process of having it removed which will allow it to operate during the colder weather but hopefully will mean it will be gone by the summer.

Anita Blake ● 2438d

Looks like this was being taken down when I walked past at lunchtime.

Catherine Steele ● 2245d

Wonderful if that'x trud.  Have they shown anyone what is being put in its pla e - if anything???  Maybe a big fall off in customers means it's not needed  Who knows?

Jennifer Selig ● 2245d

More outside space is a good idea at the moment.

Janice Evans ● 2245d

It’s going up again, but at a lower level. Which will be good as winter approaches ....

Madeleine Hazard ● 2244d

So they are actually building the design they got planning permission for?

Mark Evans ● 2244d