Pub set to become B&B with homes in grounds
COUNCILLORS WELCOME PLANS FOR VACANT PREMISES
PLANS to downsize a former Derbyshire pub, expand it with B&B services and build homes in its grounds have been approved.
The Bulls Head in Little Hallam Hill, Ilkeston, is now formally closed and has been sold off by its owners, brewers Greene King.
This week, Erewash Borough Council approved plans from Beeston-based William May Developments Ltd, which will reopen the pub.
The pub itself will be reduced in size by demolishing several extensions – this part of the business will run as a micropub with food offered throughout the day.
It will gain new extensions which will see the business branch out into a bed and breakfast with 10 rooms on offer, though one will likely be occupied by management.
Five two-bed homes will also be built to the rear of the former pub. These will be “modest” in size with the aim of being more affordable than others in the area, which is said to have lofty house prices.
The planned homes are being built to pay for the refurbishment and renovation of the pub building itself, believed to have been built or been the site of a pub since the 17th century.
Erewash councillors welcomed the plans, especially the retention of the pub building and that a business would still be running from the site.
Some residents felt that the planned homes would be out of character with the area and could push their own house prices down, if they are affordable rent or social housing – which the developer’s agent confirmed they will not be.
Residents and the developer’s agent confirmed that the site has recently been a target for arsonists.
In a statement read out at a virtual council planning meeting earlier this week, Kevin Fisher, who lives close to the site, called the plans “disappointing”.
He said: “This provides additional traffic risk and disruption on one of the busiest roads in Ilkeston
“The narrow roads on site and tight access compound the risk for emergency services
“This development pays little regard to the environment but maximum regard to cramming as many houses and businesses into a space as possible.”
Edward Stone, who also lives close to the Ilkeston site, said: “Pubs are a very important part of our national culture and are valuable community assets that help combat loneliness and social isolation. He said there is a lack of any other communal facilities in the area.
Mr Stone continued: “Highly sought-after residential area, prices are high and it is not an area for firsttime buyers, the proposed houses will be expensive, the area houses mainly people 40 years-plus of age and many are senior citizens
“It is now almost a year since the Bull’s Head was purchased by property developers Junction 25, the site has gradually become a dumping ground and the pub itself is rapidly becoming derelict. It has become an open invitation to criminals, addicts and most recently arsonists.
“According to valuations made by two local estate agents, my property has diminished in value by between £5,000 and £10,000 as a direct result of the state of the adjacent property.”
Local residents Danny and Hayley Thorne felt the homes would overlook their garden and impact privacy. They were also concerned about anti-social behaviour from the B&B accommodation and that lowcost, rented or social housing will have an impact on neighbouring house prices.
Paul Gaughan, agent for the applicants, said: “The Bull’s Head public house, in the past, had been a successful community public house that not only enjoyed a sustainable wet trade, it also catered for patrons wishing to dine out.
“Over the last number of years the previous owners of the building have let the premises to several smaller pub management companies who allowed the building and business to run down to a point where the Bull’s Head, in its present form, was no longer sustainable. As a result the premises licence was surrendered and the building sold off. No serious b bids to retain the public house were m made by alternative pub operators.
“The applicant considered totally redeveloping the site, however, after a great deal of public concern was encountered, this idea was discounted.
“It is imperative that this scheme is approved as soon as possible, as the building has been subject to vandalism and, latterly, an arson attack.
“This proposal will allow the reint troduction of a much-loved community asset, sustainably designed for the future.”
Steve Birkinshaw, the borough council’s head of planning and regeneration said private views and property values were not material considerations.
Cllr Kevin Miller said: “Whilst I regret the demise of yet another public house, I think this development has created a good mixed development and the retention of the original building, which is a feature of Ilkeston and is sort of a gateway to Ilkeston, really.”
Cllr John Frudd said: “It is a very reasonable application and there is a shortage of bed and breakfast accommodation in Ilkeston.
“I think this would be a wholly appropriate thing for the Bull’s Head to do. They will be modest dwellings and will be substantially cheaper than others in the area, allowing people to buy modestly-priced houses is good.”