Plan to build houses next to The Crofton pub in Stubbington

Punch Partnerships (PML) Ltd has submitted an application to build a pair of three-bedroom houses beside The Crofton in Crofton Lane, Stubbington.

The proposed development will result in the "reconfiguration" of the beer garden and the loss of 11 parking spaces.

But cash from the sale of the land will be ploughed into the pub.

Plans to build houses beside The Crofton pub at Stubbington have been submitted (Image: Punch Partnerships)

The application says the money will be used to fund wide-ranging improvements to the business, ensuring it continues to provide a high-quality service "for many years to come".

READ MORE: Watering Hole: The Crofton

It adds: "The proposed dwellings will maximise the potential of the site in a sustainable manner.

"The development will ensure the application site continues to provide a community facility for the local community, with the beer garden and car park mostly unaffected.

"The pub will remain operational during the construction of the dwellings.

"The capital receipt from the sale of the development plot will be directly reinvested into the business, ensuring the viability of The Crofton is preserved into the future."

Plans to build houses beside The Crofton pub at Stubbington have been submitted (Image: Punch Partnerships)

The popular watering hole is next door to Crofton Farmhouse, a Grade II-listed building.

"The buildings have been carefully designed to ensure their scale and massing are in keeping with the historic character and appearance of the farmhouse," says the application.

"There will be no impact on the significance of this building and its heritage values will therefore be preserved from harm."

READ MORE: Best Southampton pubs to visit according to Daily Echo readers

The pub is run by Melanie Taylor and Brian Readman, who have submitted a letter supporting the application.

They say: "A proportion of the proceeds from this development will be reinvested into the business, providing an upgrade to our function room and external trading spaces."

"We do not envisage that this development will detract from the operation of the pub and confirm that we are supportive of the application."

A transport assessment that accompanies the application says the houses will be served by a new access.

It refers to a proposed reduction in the number of parking spaces at the pub and the results of parking surveys carried out in the area.

"The development is not predicted to result in a significant or noticeable impact on the local highway network.

"There are no transport or highway reasons why the proposed development should not be granted planning consent."