A MUCH fought over Hampshire pub has been demolished.
More than 2,000 people including regulars and staff of the Harrier Inn, in Hamble, had campaigned to save it but their efforts were in vain as developers’ plans to transform it into retirement homes were given the go ahead by councillors last summer.
Now builders have moved in to bring down the building, in Hamble Lane.
Protesters behind the ‘Save the Harrier’ had argued that the pub was still thriving, that it was the only pub left outside the village centre and elderly people relied on it.
But councillors said they had little choice but to accept McCarthy and Stone Retirement Lifestyle's bid for 26 retirement flats, as even if turned down, the site would be turned into a convenience store without needing planning permission.
Pub owner Enterprise Inns had decided it would be more profitable to sell the property for use as retirement flats or a store than keep it as a pub.
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