Site of The Green Man, 93 London Road, Burpham, Guildford

Image: © P L Chadwick Taken: 10 Mar 2011

Behind the grey fencing is a sizeable site, which used to be the site of The Green Man public house and car park. From about 1984 to 2006 it was a member of the Harvester chain of food orientated pubs. Then it was closed and acquired by the Aldi supermarket chain. They demolished it in 2008. Although for about 400 years there was a pub or inn here, which at one time was a coaching inn, the building here in recent years was not the original, but a relatively recent one. Hence despite the protests of many residents the Council were unable to prevent the demolition. Aldi's first application for a supermarket was rejected. It is true to say that there is some division of opinion amongst residents, some being for and some against a supermarket here, especially as there is a Sainsbury's around the corner. Some people would like a replacement pub included in any redevelopment, which in the present climate of pubs closing all over the place, seems unlikely. A further application was being made by Aldi, but this one will include residential accommodation above the supermarket, but no pub. Image

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