Controversial plans for new Wetherspoons splits town

The pub giant has bought a three-storey 1920s house in Welwyn Garden City but the application to turn the building into a boozer has split the local community.

Some locals argue that the new pub will increase traffic, cause disruption and is at odds with the town’s atmosphere.

In one objection submitted to the council, a local resident said she was ‘incensed’ by the plan.

“The thought of the extra noise this will bring is quite terrifying. I am quite sure that the town planners would turn in their graves if this plan were to go ahead.”

Fellow resident Della Parrish added:  “The pub would ruin the neighbourhood I have lived in for 23 years, particularly in terms of noise. I will be having my house valued now, before the blight of a Wetherspoons pub totally changes the character of the area.”

However Wetherspoons, which have submitted a 59-page planning document in a bid to win the council’s favour, argue the new site will help to revitalise the town centre and act as a catalyst for further investment in the area.

Supporters of the proposals argue that the area is ‘crying out’ for more places to socialise in the evening and have urged the town to move with the times.