Old Spotted Dog, Forest Gate restoration - everything we know

On November 21 last year, two applications were submitted for the "restoration and re-use" of The Old Spotted Dog pub in Upton Lane.

One application detailed the renovation of the 15th to 19th century elements of the building following the demolition of 20th century additions internally and externally.

A bar, dining room, lounge, function rooms and roof terrace would all be part of the redevelopment.

The second application included the same renovation details as well as plans to construct two new buildings.

These will be compromised of a mix of 22 residential units and 14 serviced apartments, according to the planning documents.

The pub has been closed since 2004 (Image: Google) The Recorder understands that Newham Council is waiting for some updated information from the applicant and is aiming to bring the proposals to planning committee this summer or autumn.

In May 2020, the council approved a planning application from Highpride Properties Ltd proposing to restore the pub and build a 68-bedroom hotel with a bar, restaurant, lounge and garden. 

Despite receiving approval, no works were carried out.

The pub is a Grade II listed building dating back to the mid 15th century and is cited as having been Henry VIII's hunting lodge.

It closed down in 2004 and has been abandoned since.

According to a full planning document, the building has been squatted and vandalised on several occasions and the theft of metal from the roof has "severely exacerbated the damage".

The document said: "The proposed development would demolish poor quality 20th century elements from the public house allowing the Tudor, and Victorian /Edwardian elements of the public house to be revealed.

"Internally, proposed changes are similarly focused upon the removal of some 1960s and 1980s additions, therefore achieving the restoration and preservation of the building’s inherent significance as a heritage asset."

Historic England wrote to Newham Council regarding the applications.

They said: "Historic England strongly supports the principle of bringing this important listed building back into good repair and use, enabling its removal from our Heritage at Risk Register.

"The proposals for repairing The Spotted Dog are largely positive."

The Recorder has been unable to reach neither Mr Patel of Highpride Properties who is the applicant nor Ian Hopwood of Synthesis Architecture who is the agent.