A Harold Wood microbrewery’s application to open an on-site taproom has been rejected, with the owner saying the decision has left regulars “gutted”.

Rashpinder Singh Mahal, who opened The East Side Brewery last May, previously told this paper he wanted to open the taproom to provide somewhere locals can “sit down and have a chat”.

Havering Council, however, has now rejected the application due to a “deficient” level of detail in the submission.

In the decision notice, it said that with “no clear layout plan, design, materials, seating area and the general operational management of the proposed use”, the taproom could result in issues including “an encroachment onto the communal area”.

This would, it continues, "be to the detriment of the amenity and living conditions of neighbouring occupiers”.

Romford Recorder: Lawyer Rashpinder Singh Mahal has taken his love of microbrewing and turned it into a business, recently opening The East Side Brewery in Harold Wood.Lawyer Rashpinder Singh Mahal has taken his love of microbrewing and turned it into a business, recently opening The East Side Brewery in Harold Wood. (Image: Rashpinder Singh Mahal)

Rash said: “I was a bit surprised. It’s not a pub, it’s a brewery, and the taproom is just ancillary.”

Several of his customers, he added, were “gutted” that the application was refused.

Rash said he intends on appealing the decision, and will approach his local councillors and MP to raise his concerns.

View the application using the reference P0356.22.