Wix: Villagers hope to save historic cockfighting pit
1:10pm Saturday 26th February 2011
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CAMPAIGNERS are calling for plans to transform a former pub into a house to be turned down.
Residents and councillors in Wix called an emergency meeting on Monday night to discuss the proposals for the grade II listed White Hart, on Harwich Road.
The pub, which has stood empty since 2003, houses a historic cockfighting pit, one of only two in the country.
John Mathews, chair of Wix Parish Council, said residents were fighting to save it.
“Around 24 people turned up to the meeting,” he said.
“Altogether 15 people voted against the plans, six voted for them and three abstained.
“The problem is if it was turned into a house then the historic cockfighting pit would be lost.
“It could be turned into a major tourist attraction if it was marketed right as the only other one in Great Britain is in a pub in St Albans.
“I can understand why people voted for the plans though too. Many are fed up of it looking so derelict and just want it cleaned up.”
Previous planning applications to turn the pub into a dwelling have been refused on the grounds of it being a listed building.
Residents are hoping Tendring Council will take the same decision this time round.
Mr Mathews said: “It is currently on the market with an estate agents in Sudbury we believe.
“What the residents would really like is for a new owner to come along and turn it back into a pub.
“It would be of benefit to everyone because we think if it doesn’t then plans to create a 24-bedroom motel on the same site will also fall through.
“If there is a working pub there it will be somewhere for those people staying at the motel to eat in the evenings.
“Really the two go together.”
Tendring Council, which is hoping to make a decision by March 25, has final say on the plans.
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Your Say YourHarwich
<!–Mr Anory. Jack, Tendring says… //–>
Mr Anory. Jack, Tendring says…
7:24pm Sat 26 Feb 11
Ah, memories eh!
Your sayYour Harwich
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