Pub and microbrewery plan for Rodbourne Road get go-ahead

Planners at Swindon Borough Council have approved Marek Czarnek’s application to turn the former Ramona food store shop at 8 Rodbourne Road into a microbrewery and pub.

According to Mr Czarnek’s application brewing equipment will be installed in the rear of the downstairs of the building, except for the distinctive fermentation tanks which will be in the front window as an attraction and to signify that the beer sold there is brewed on the premises.

As well as the building featuring a bar and sitting area, the backyard will be converted to a beer garden.

Food will be available as a pizza oven will also be installed as well as a cold storage room built for keeping the beer cool.

Four residents wrote to the council to comment on the application, with three in full support and one against

One of the neighbours in support wrote: “I fully support this. A unique small business that will appeal to many locals.

"It’s in walking distance and a clientele that will be respectful of residents.”

The microbrewery will replace a food store (Image: D Cox)

Another, K Reed of Redcliffe Street, said: “We've been visiting this brewery in its current location for a couple of years. We fully support it moving to Rodbourne.

"It's a very popular business and would become a fantastic asset to the local community. The current location is not big enough due to its popularity and a move to new premises in Rodbourne will allow the business to grow and attract new clientele."

George Tipple, who lives in the same road and said he was in his eighties wrote: “What a brilliant idea and happiness for the Rodbourne community. 

"It’s somewhere us old folks can go to and have a few and a bite to eat, as it's only down the road from us this would definitely be our new local for four to six days a week, we will support this local business.”

One resident, S Checksfield, objected on the grounds of noise and light pollution, increased traffic from deliveries and disturbance of neighbours: “I think the venture is a brilliant idea, I just think the location could be better considered.”

The report recommending approval said: “The defined local centre is predominantly characterised by ground floor retail units and a number of takeaway shops.

“The proposal will bring back to use a vacant retail unit and would attract footfall to this part of the local centre enhancing the area’s vitality and viability.”