Commercial use mooted for ‘at risk’ former pub
A DERELICT former pub said to be at “severe risk” could be redeveloped for commercial or business enterprises, according to plans.
The Wheatsheaf in Bridge Street, Uttoxeter, could have a new life if plans submitted by Arnos Group Ltd to change its use to “flexible commercial, business or service use” are approved by East Staffordshire Borough Council.
The company also wants to demolish two homes on the site, at
Nos 46 and 48 Bridge Street, and replace them with 10 new properties.
The plans for the Wheatsheaf come as the town faces change under the Uttoxeter Masterplan.
A report submitted with the application said: “The proposal will seek to make good the pub, which is in a very poor state of repair and is at severe risk.
“The works to protect the building will enhance its special interest and should be supported in the interests of conserving this heritage asset. The proposal does involve the demolition of two buildings within the conservation area, however these properties were built in the 2000s and are of no particular architectural merit. The benefits of creating a suitable access to open up a site that is considered by the council to be an ‘opportunity site’ clearly outweighs the loss of the two homes.”
A decision on the plan is due to be made in the next few months. It has long been known that the Grade Iilisted former coaching inn would be affected by the masterplan.
It will see the town’s bus station and part of the Maltings car park replaced by homes, with more built around the derelict Wheatsheaf. It will also see the Maltings Shopping Centre demolished to make way for houses, along with a couple of large shop units, with the Trinity Centre replaced with more housing.
However, the masterplan has been the subject of criticism, including from Labour Uttoxeter town councillor Zdzislaw Krupski, who previously claimed it was not worthy of its name and would “devastate the town centre”. A seven-week public consultation was held following a petition signed by 1,500 residents.
Some 76 per cent of the 684 respondents said retaining parking by the GP surgery at Trinity Square Shopping Centre was important. Twenty-eight per cent suggested introducing a stronger frontage along Bradley Street at the Maltings was important.
A further consultation will be held. The proposed change of use of the Wheatsheaf is one of the first major masterplan details to be revealed.