A READING pub has been defined as a heritage asset.
The Bugle, on Friar Street, was locally listed after councillors voted unanimously to protect the building at a Reading Borough Council planning committee meeting on Wednesday, July 20.
The pub dates back to 1841, but closed in October last year due to a lack of trade.
The protection has also been extended to the attached houses at the rear of the building, known as Fife Court.
The current owners, Thackeray Estates, have been seeking to transform the site into a 157-room apartment hotel, with The Bugle being retained and used as a pub or restaurant.
David Owens, construction director at Thackeray, asked for the front of the pub to be listed but the attached houses to be left off.
However, councillors felt these properties played a part in the town’s “working class heritage”.
Cllr Micky Leng, Labour councillor for Whitley, said Fife Court provided cheap housing for working people and was occupied by two shoemakers, two ladies of independent means, a corn porter and a boot glazer in 1841.
Cllr James Moore, Liberal Democrat councillor for Tilehurst, is the former chair of Reading and Mid-Berkshire Campaign for Real Ale.
He believes the site should be seen as a historical asset to the town.
He added: “Pubs have played an important role in the social fabric of Britain and indeed in Reading.
“The Bugle may never open as a pub, but because of the historical elements I feel we need to maintain the heritage aspect of pubs, especially in the historical context of Reading.”
Although developers are able to demolish locally listed buildings, their heritage is a factor when reviewing future planning applications.
