Save the Goldsmiths Arms
Ive started a new thread as I don't want to accept the property developers term 'former Goldsmiths Arms'The Goldsmiths Residents Association was handing leaflets to visitors to the exhibition at Shepherds Bush Cricket Club on Thursday and Friday. We were surprised by how few people turned up to see the exhibition. All but three visitors were in favour of it remaining a pub. One person was strongly in favour of housing. He lives in Shepherds Bush, he had never used the Goldsmiths Arms and did not know where it was. The developers are proposing to build 72 flats in six storeys. We counted seven storeys in their plans but they might have excluded the ground floor which they are proposing for community or commercial use. They are also making a land grab and proposing to pedestrianize the top of Friars Place Lane and turn the little green island into a place for children to play and residents to sit. We think these plans are ugly, ridiculous and a threat to our community. The proposed development can be accessed https://goldsmithsarms-consultation.co.uk Metropolitan and Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) told us that they had not signed anything and their purchase of the freehold from the current owner (MHA) depends on planning permission and change of use being granted by Ealing borough council. If they do not get planning permission MTVH will walk away and the freehold will be put back on the market. Residents that visited the exhibition told us that breweries and restaurant owners had enquired into leasing the property as a pub but the rent was ridiculously high and would prohibit any business breaking even. These businesses would be interested in purchasing the freehold. MTVH are aiming to submit their planning application to the council before the 15th December deadline for consideration by the first planning committee to meet in 2019. This will be the 16th January 2019. The consultation period will be over the Christmas holiday. The owner knew he was purchasing a pub. This pub was the heart of our community. Residents formed friendships because of meetings in the pub, street parties, community events and social events for older residents. The beer garden was a wonderful oasis for young families and this will be welcomed more than ever with the 700 new homes already planned for this estate. The Goldsmiths Arms was once a thriving pub with the best beer garden in West London and weekly turnover reaching £30,000. It was the only wheelchair accessible function room in the area. Since it closed residents have struggled to find a venue for christenings, wakes, birthday parties and community meetings and socials. Let’s stand up to these developers and Ealing Council and demand that the Goldsmiths Arms be retained as a pub. We ask that you support the campaign to keep the Goldsmiths Arms a pub. We need to be ready to respond to the consultation. Write letters stating your reasons that the pub remains a pub. These can be uploaded to the website once consultation is open. This will probably be around 20th December 2018.Sign the petition - https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/keep-the-goldsmiths-arms-a-pubLike our Facebook page goldsmithsarmsW3Follow us on Twitter @GoldsmithsPub #SaveThe GoldsmithsWe have the support of our MP Rupa Huq, local councillors, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Central Acton Neighbourhood (CAN)Forum, East Acton Golf Links Residents Association, Goldsmiths Residents Association, London Network Church and St Dunstan’s Church.If you want to support our campaign please email us on goldsmithsresidents@gmail.comTogether we can make a difference.
Jacqueline Davis ● 2645d2 Comments