The Parish Council alongside the residents of Hollingbourne were shocked and saddened by the devastating fire that took place at The Dirty Habit PH on the night of Sunday, 9th October 2022.
Various rumours, sometimes very unhelpfully, have been circulating throughout the village, with regards to the future of the pub, and the road closure in and around the Upper Street. With this in mind, the Clerk was able to speak to Martial, of The Dirty Habit PH, for an accurate update on the situation.
The Dirty Habit PH has appointed a contractor to carry out the repair works at the pub, and at present they are liaising with Planning Conservation Officers at the Maidstone BC. The process involves agreeing plans on the rebuild of the Grade II Listed Building, to replace ‘like for like’, as it is important to restore The Dirty Habit PH back to how it was.
The gas works being carried out within the Upper Street and Manor Lane areas are unrelated to the fire at The Dirty Habit PH. SGN closed off the gas to the pub on the Monday following the fire, but the gas leak found in the process was not as a result of the fire. It is hoped that the road in this area will be re-opened very soon, once the gas works have taken place.
The Parish Council really appreciates everybody’s patience whilst the road closure takes place. The Clerk shares your frustration, as she must also detour via Stede Hill, Harrietsham whilst the gas works are carried out. It is a headache, but it is unavoidable.
Please keep a look out for correct news about the works at The Dirty Habit PH, via the Village Magazine, or this website. Martial will keep us updated with regards to this matter.
Works to clear the site of the pub are due to start in December 2022, or early next year. The Dirty Habit PH will at that time need to ask the KCC for a road closure, hopefully for just a day, so that the scaffolding and a tin roof can be placed around the site before its safe demolition and rebuild.
Finally, the Dirty Habit PH is then due to open its doors again in the winter of 2024. How good that will be.
Elite Pubs has made this statement on their website for The Dirty Habit PH.
‘We’d like to thank all who have sent well wishes and donations – our staff truly appreciate your kind words and generosity. Our contractors are in talks with our Maidstone Borough Council Conservation Officer about our next steps. We’re working towards reconstruction beginning before Christmas with a grand re-opening set for Winter 2023/24. Any other updates can be found via our website and social media channels.’
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