A boarded-up East London pub with over five centuries of history could finally be brought back to life next week, as councillors prepare to make a crucial decision on its future.
Historic Pub Awaits Its Fate
Newham Council's strategic development committee will meet on Tuesday, December 9 to determine a planning application that aims to rescue The Old Spotted Dog Inn in Forest Gate. The pub, which dates to the late 15th or early 16th century, has been empty and on the Heritage at Risk register since 2004.
Developer Highpride Properties has submitted plans for the sensitive restoration and refurbishment of the Grade II-listed building, with the intention of reopening it as a pub. To fund the costly renovation, the proposal includes constructing two residential blocks and an apartment hotel to the rear and east of the historic inn.
Community Concerns and Developer Revisions
The scheme has not been without controversy. The neighbouring Clapton Community Football Club (CCFC) raised significant objections to an earlier version of the plans in January. The club was concerned about potential noise disturbance from its matches and events for residents in flats where bedrooms originally faced the pitch.
In response, Highpride Properties says it redesigned the layout so that bedrooms primarily face east, away from the football ground. However, plans for the second floor appear to show some rooms still oriented westwards. The club also called for a portion of the new homes to be designated as social housing.
The developer stated that the financial burden of restoring the historic pub made providing affordable housing unviable, a position accepted by council planning officers.
A Final Decision Looms
Despite a council consultation on the revised plans between July 29 and August 19, a spokesperson for CCFC told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the club was unaware of the updated application. This left them unable to formally support or oppose the scheme without consulting their members and community users.
Now, the fate of one of East London's oldest drinking establishments rests with local councillors. Their vote will decide whether this unique piece of London's heritage, with its Victorian and late Georgian features, can be saved from further decay and returned to community use after decades of neglect.
