Plans for vacant pub approved

stag

Plans to erect an annex building at a vacant pub in Little Warford, to create an additional 10 bedrooms, have been approved.

Ribble Valley Inns, who purchased The Stag's Head on Mill Lane in 2013, applied to build the additional rooms in order to make the pub a viable business in the long term - stating that if planning permission for the construction of a detached building was not granted then the scheme would not be financially viable and could result in the building being left vacant.

Despite the scheme being recommended for refusal on the grounds that it represents an inappropriate form of development within the Green Belt, it was unanimously approved by Northern Planning Committee today (Wednesday, 5th May), with conditions on the final design.

Councillor Craig Browne said “It was unanimously approved, but with details of the design to be delegated back to officers to discuss and agree with the applicant. The members wished to support the Stags Head become economically viable once more, but were unhappy with the design of the proposed 10 bedroom annex which was felt to be inappropriate and unsympathetic to the existing building."

A report prepared by the Planning Officer for today's Northern Planning Committee meeting stated "The development represents an inappropriate form of development within the Green Belt for which very special circumstances must be demonstrated that clearly outweigh the harm.

"The development would provide some economic benefits in the form of increased revenue and a slight increased number of people employed over and above the approved scheme. However the social benefits provided by the applicant have not been sufficiently demonstrated.

"The environmental harm in the form of the harm to the Green Belt and the character of the area would clearly outweigh any economic benefits the scheme would provide and so for the application is recommended for a refusal."

Ribble Valley Inns is part of the Northcote Group of Companies, co-founded by Head Chef Nigel Haworth and Craig Bancroft, which also includes the Michelin Star restaurant Northcote, near Blackburn.

The planning application can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website by searching for planning reference 17/0837M.

Tags:
Planning Applications, The Stags Head
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Steve Savage
Thursday 6th April 2017 at 7:36 am
Great News, common sense prevails for once.
Pete Taylor
Thursday 6th April 2017 at 10:07 pm
Time to get some batteries for my bike lamps, I look forward to the opening.
Helen Gaughan
Friday 7th April 2017 at 10:17 pm
This is great news !! Common sense has prevailed . Ribble Valley Inns have successful venues throughout Lancashire/North Yorkshire , and their second venture in Cheshire ( Nag's Head at Haughton being their first ) should be welcomed ... The Stag has been dormant/derelict for too long ... ! I whole-heartedly look forward see this wonderful building have life injected once more !! Furthermore .... Being a RVI lovvie ..☺️☺️ I can guarantee that Nigel , Craig and Co. will make sure that The Stag will be a place that we'll all want to go to .... RVI menus can be viewed online , as a taste of what we may well enjoy !!
David Thomas
Friday 7th April 2017 at 10:31 pm
A hearty round of applause for the Northern planning committee. Congratulations on your unanimous decision to approve this application, in spite of the officer's refusal recommendation. What a reassuring demonstration of common sense and support for the local community.
Let's just hope the final design for the annexe is agreed very quickly so this site can be re-opened asap. Cheers!
Duncan Marr
Wednesday 12th April 2017 at 8:58 am
At last common sense prevails.Green belt considerations are always important, but social /community benefits should take precedence.The fabric of British life cannot afford to lose country pubs.
Congratulations to Craig Browne and others who have had the courage to support this.