Herschel Arms pub in Slough could be turned into offices and flats

The much-missed Herschel Arms could be turned into shops, offices or an eatery – which would mark the end of its days as a pub.

Named after Sir William Herschel, the renowned astronomer who lived in Slough during the 18th and early 19th centuries, this beloved Irish pub in Park Street pub has a rich history.

It was active for well over a century and was known as ‘real cultural hub’ of the town, a centre for folk music and poetry. It is said that the first pint was pulled there in June 1860.

Closure of the Herschel Arms was announced in 2023, marking the end of a 160-year run.

Its landlord told the Express that pub culture was ‘changing’ putting ‘serious pressure’ on the industry.

Rent prices and decreased footfall in Slough also contributed to pub’s struggles, he felt, until it eventually became unviable and had to close. The pub has stood empty since January 2024.

Now, a plan has been submitted to turn the Herschel Arms into two commercial units and two flats.

The class of these ‘commercial units’ is Class E, which generally means shops, offices, professional services such as banks or estate agents, clinics, health centres or nurseries.

It can cover cafés or restaurants, too – and the applicants may indeed be looking at this usage.

The form mentions ‘Use Class: E(b) – Sale of food and drink for consumption mostly on the premises.’

But unless conditions are attached limiting the scheme to Class E(b) specifically, the applicant would not be bound to this.

Importantly, this ‘change of use’ plan moves the building class to one that doesn’t include pubs. A pub falls under the class ‘sui generis’, suggesting the building would be a pub no more.

A small increase in commercial floor space is also proposed, rising from 221sqm to 289sqm. The applicant states the new use would provide full-time employment for four people, and two part-time.

Despite its historical importance, the Herschel Arms is not listed on the National Heritage List, meaning it does not have the legal protections afforded to listed buildings.

It is recognised as a non-designated heritage asset by Slough Borough Council – ie a building of cultural importance, but nonetheless one which is not formally protected.

On the residential end of things, plans involve a first-floor extension to create a one-bedroom flat above, joining one existing flat. These would be market, rather than affordable, housing.

Proposed materials and finishes will match existing ones, the plans say.

There are not many proposed infrastructural changes around the site – no changes to access, public roads, paths, or parking, for example.

It has been described as ‘de minimis’ – a development so minor it is exempt from certain planning requirements, including biodiversity net gain.

This can also affect how much information is submitted to Slough council.

Sometimes developers submit a planning statement, explaining the need for the new provision – but for this scheme, there are not many papers to see other than the application form.

The proposal was registered in Slough Borough Council’s planning portal on May 13 and is yet to be decided.

To see the plans, enter reference number P/00465/007 at sbcplanning.co.uk/search.php