The Foresters Arms was once tied to the Brimscombe Brewery but it might have once brewed its own beer as there is a reference to a brewery in Chapel Street (source unrecorded). The pub has been converted to a private house and the building stands at right angles to Chapel Street. The façade is of brick and the side of the building (facing Chapel Street) is built in Cotswold stone. The front central door has been replaced by a window.
The Citizen, 16th January 1998 – Access fears: Plans to convert the former Forester’s Arms at 31 Chapel Street, Cam, into a restaurant have been blocked following a planning appeal. Mr and Mrs Peter Mears challenged Stroud District planners’ refusal of permission to convert part of the ground floor of their home to a restaurant. The main issue was the effect on road safety of the restaurant plan.
The Environmental Department planning inspector said the proposals would substantially increase the number of vehicles using the site. Visibility was well below the recommended distances and the access, close to a sharp bend, was a hazard.
It was put on the market in 1999 for £199,000.
Stroud News & Journal – Property, Wednesday 15th February 2012: Foresters, Chapel Street. Guide Price £500,000.
Foresters is a particularly spacious period red brick house and adjacent natural stone conversion that together used to be the village inn and more recently has traded as a bed and breakfast. The property would therefore lend itself to a large family that could easily include a granny annexe.
The accommodation consists of a reception hall, lounge with beamed ceiling and feature fireplace, study, dining room, fitted kitchen, utility room, wet room and rear hallway to the first floor. At first floor level there are five well proportioned bedrooms, two of which have en-suites, with two separate family bathrooms. At the back of the house, an extensive garden is laid mainly to lawn. There is ample parking at the front for up to six cars.
Dursley Gazette, Thursday 28th June 2012 – Back to drawing board for flats bid: A businesswoman behind plans for a proposed block of flats in Cam is determined to go back to the drawing board despite losing an appeal. Vicky Jennings, who runs Forester’s Bed and Breakfast on Chapel Street, told the Gazette she had every intention of submitting a fourth planning application for the flats project to Stroud District Council if she could find a suitable design. She said: “If we can get the right building then fine, we can go ahead, I want something everyone is proud of in the area, that enhances the area and does the job.”
Mrs Jennings’ comments came after a government inspector dismissed her appeal against Stroud District Council’s decision to refuse her planning permission. Mrs Jennings had applied to demolish her bed and breakfast on Chapel Street, along with a neighbouring property on Station Road, without the owner’s support, and build a block of flats. The council’s reason for refusal – that it would have an adverse impact on the character of the area – was upheld by the planning inspector last week.
In his report he said: “Such an outcome would result in development of a scale incompatible with the part of the settlement in which it is located, and which would cause material harm to its character and appearance.”
Map Reference: SO 752002
Licensing Records:
Owner in 1891: Smith & Sons, Brimscombe Brewery
Rateable value in 1891: £14.10s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Beerhouse
Owner in 1903: Smith & Sons, Brimscombe Brewery
Rateable value in 1903: £14.10s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Beerhouse
Closing time in 1903: 10pm
Landlords at the Foresters Arms include:
1891,1903 William John Bennett
1939 Mrs Anne Joyce Bennett
