Hundreds sign petition opposing flats next to pub

The Butler pub in Reading dates back to 1830 and is renowned for live music

Hundreds of people have signed a petition opposing a development next to a "well-loved" pub and live music venue.

It also calls for The Butler, in Chatham Street near Reading town centre and dating back to 1830, to be protected from future development.

Harry Jones set up the petition and said he was concerned about future noise complaints if planned flats are built nearby.

"We cannot stand by and let it be closed by yet another instance of an application to build flats next to a long-standing bastion of live music," he said.

Developer Hamble Residential had an application to build a five-storey block containing 15 apartments to the rear of the pub rejected in November.

It has now submitted an appeal, which the petition - currently signed by 1,015 people - urges the borough council to dismiss.

CGI plans for a five storey apartment building to the rear of The Butler pub

Mr Jones said the pub "is now one of the most well-loved, respected and prolific live music venues in Reading, giving life to a music scene that has been dwindling".

On the Change.org petition website he wrote: “The Butler is also fortunate enough to be owned by someone who is a great supporter of original artists who are both local and from out of town, something we need to see more of.

"Help us petition against this ridiculous application and stop this monstrosity being built in possibly the worst place possible."

A separate plan to replace nearby Eaton Court with 120 flats was also recently rejected, in part out of concerns over potential future noise complaints affecting The Butler and The Face Bar club in Ambrose Place.

CGI plans of the five storey flats on Eaton Place at the rearer of the pub