An appeal against the refusal to grant planning permission for the conversion of a pub into two dwellings has been dismissed by a planning inspector.
The vacant pub, the Chequers Inn, in Barkestone, Nottinghamshire, had been bought in 2010, having been operated as a pub between 2004 and 2007. The business was then relaunched three times after it was acquired; first as a pub, then as a fish restaurant, and finally as a bar and grill. However, all three of the ventures were short-lived and the building was vacated in 2016. Following the vacation, the owner applied for permission to convert the pub into two dwellings.
However, the building was recognised as the last potential community facility remaining in the village, considering the village hall closed in 2003. As a result, a successful application was made to list the former pub as an Asset of Community Value. Furthermore, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) recognises public houses as "community facilities" and suggests that planning decisions should guard against the loss of such facilities.
After the planning application was submitted to change the pub into dwellings, the majority of the almost 120 representations made were regarding the loss of a community facility.
Since the pub's closure, a Community Action Group tried to purchase the building to secure it as a community facility, although that bid failed. Following that, the group formed into the Village Hall Trustees who have indicated an intention to purchase the property and convert it into a community facility including a cafe, shop and bar. Although the planning inspector considered the fact that the earlier bid for the property failed, the Village Hall Trustees has given assurances that they can meet the terms of sale.
Given the attention the property has received from two groups since it became vacant, the inspector was drawn to the conclusion that the use of the building as a community facility was viable. As a result, the loss of the village's last "remaining pub and potential community facility would involve significant harm to the local community", the inspector said.
Even though the inspector had no issue with the site being used as a residential development, the benefits of such were outweighed by the potential loss of a community facility which would result in harm to the village. The inspector, Mr King, therefore dismissed the appeal.
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