A TEAROOM in Basingstoke has announced it will be closing after planning permission was approved to redevelop the former pub into a private home in a knife-edge decision by councillors in 2020.

As previously reported the application was submitted to change The Mole in Monk Sherborne into a private home.

Almost 600 people signed a petition set up by former councillor Tristan Robinson to save the pub after council officers recommended approval of the controversial application.

The former pub was eventually brought by a new owner in February 2021 and has been refurbished and remodelled into to a tearoom by day and a wine bar by night.

READ MORE: Former pub The Mole in Monk Sherborne reopens as tearoom despite plans to turn it into a home

It officially opened as The Olive Tree in May last year but just over a year on the tearoom has announced it is closing for good at the end of the month. 

A post on the tearoom's Facebook page reads: "It is with regret that we inform all our valued customers that The Olive Tree will be closing permanently on Saturday 29th July 2023.

"We would like to thank all those who have supported us since our reopening last May, and hope you’ll join us again before we close."

The post went on to read: "Thank you again to all those who have supported us." 

The Gazzete has been in contact with the tearoom and was told the closure comes down to a "lack of community support".

A spokesperson said: "If you look at the history of this place and you look at the level of support from the community that is why. People have protested to keep it open. We have kept our promise to keep it open but you can't run a business on thin air.

"It is sad that people in Sherborne have money but they do not support community sites like this one. It is simply down to the fact that the community have not supported it."

Despite this residents have been reacting to the news since it was shared on Facebook with many expressing their sadness.

SEE ALSO: Plans to redevelop The Mole pub in Monk Sherborne approved

Martin Whatmore posted: "Such a shame lots of hard work and of course the money you have invested, please don't take it as a failure its a sign of current times of high overheads. Hold your heads up high, you got out and had a go."

Nicola Stagg also posted: "So sorry to see this, what a shame the village didn’t embrace this fabulous asset good luck in the future."

Another, John Drake, commented: "Real shame to hear that you are closing! It’s a shame you have not had a lot of local support! Very welcoming Friendly place and staff hope you all find a new venture elsewhere."