Plans to Reopen Jack O’Newbury in Binfield Hit a Snag with Council
The Jack O’Newbury pub’s reopening plans have been halted by local council objections, leaving the community disappointed and seeking clarity.
Jack O’Newbury, Binfield, Bracknell Forest, Pub, Planning
Binfield: The Jack O’Newbury has been closed since February 2020, just before the first Covid lockdown. It hasn’t opened its doors since then.
The owners had plans to spruce up the pub, including a new parking layout to attract more visitors. They wanted to add a car park with 54 spaces at the back.
According to Boddingtons Planning, the goal was to create a top-notch spot for everyone, whether you’re popping in for a drink or enjoying a fancy meal.
They even got approval for a gastropub makeover back in 2022. But now, those plans have hit a wall after Bracknell Forest Council turned them down.
Binfield Parish Council was on board with bringing back the pub as a community spot but raised concerns about land ownership issues.
In May, the council said they couldn’t move forward because part of the land in question belonged to a neighbor.
They explained that planning applications need to show all landowners have been informed, which wasn’t the case here.
While Boddingtons claimed the pub’s owner was the sole landowner, a nearby site owner, known as Brambles, disputed that.
Now, Bracknell Forest Council has officially refused the plans. They argued that moving the car park would intrude into the countryside unnecessarily, especially since there’s already a car park in front of the pub.
They also pointed out that a smaller overflow car park is already approved for the back. The council believes the new car park would harm the area’s rural charm and visual appeal.
Additionally, they had concerns about the car park layout, saying it wouldn’t be safe or convenient for deliveries and waste collection.