Our beautiful pub is being RUINED and turned into a ‘futuristic Grand Designs monstrosity’ – it looks like a RADIATOR
PUB-GOERS say their beautiful local is being ruined and turned into a "futuristic Grand Designs monstrosity" which looks like a radiator.
Osborne View in the Hampshire seaside town of Fareham was gutted by a fire in February.
World Cup-winning England manager Sir Alf Ramsay was a regular at the historic pub in the 1960s.
Second World War soldiers used to store boats under the pub in the run-up to D-Day.
It is named after Queen Victoria's Isle of Wight home Osborne House - which can be seen from the pub on a clear day.
Now bosses have revealed a "radical" £6.5million plan to rebuild the beachside boozer.
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But some hostile locals have slammed the blueprint on the local council's planning portal.
One wrote: "We were originally very pleased that the Osborne View was going to be rebuilt.
"We imagined it would be a bit more modern than the original - but we did not envisage this futuristic monstrosity.
'This is Hillhead, not the South of France or Spain - it is an eyesore on the lovely coastal location."
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Another said: "Abomination - could it be made to be more outstandingly ugly?"
Posting on social media, another local said: "The architect was inspired by a radiator."
But a supportive local said: "This time there appears to be properly designed facilities.
"They will cater for the vast numbers of visitors that will flock to this pub with such a tremendous view of the Solent."
The pub's owner Hall & Woodhouse has vowed to rebuild its taproom and restaurant along with a modern wing overlooking the beach.
In its planning application, the firm wrote: "In February, the building was demolished and is currently out of use to the public.
"Redevelopment of the site is necessary to return it to viable use.
"The proposals therefore involve a replacement, stand-alone pub and restaurant to be operated by Hall and Woodhouse."
Hall & Woodhouse said the new pub will fill the same floor space as the old one.
But it will have a "refreshed design" to meet its modern-day needs as a pub and restaurant.
The firm said the new pub would be "more attractive and efficient in its use of space and means of operation".
It added: "The redevelopment of the site also provided an opportunity to address some of the issues facing the previous building.
"Rationalising staircases, removing half levels and improving the efficiency of food and drink delivery through the creation of a central core.
"It also enabled Hall and Woodhouse to create a new building that could maximise sea views in a contemporary and modern style.
"It matches the spirit of other recent developments along the seafront."
Fareham Borough Council has until January 1 to approve the planning application.
Hall & Woodhouse's Mark James said: "We have now submitted a full planning application for the rebuild of the Osborne View in Fareham.
"We shared our rebuild plans for the Osborne View with Hill Head residents and the wider community earlier this year."
In a statement, Mr James added: "We thank them for their ongoing support.
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"We remain committed to delivering a new, improved version of the former Osborne View, while still honouring the pub’s heritage.
"We hope to work quickly and smoothly with Hampshire County Council to restore the Osborne View to its vital role in the heart of the community as soon as possible."
