Pub set to be turned into a new store and five houses
PLANS to redevelop a prominent pub site on the outskirts of Leek have been approved.
Full planning permission has been given to change the use of the Travellers Rest pub in Leekbrook to a convenience store and to build five two-storey four-bedroom detached houses at the rear.
Both applications had been submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council by Broad Oak Properties Ltd.
Now planners at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council have announced that both applications have been approved.
A decision report, regarding the large pub building, by case officer Chris Johnston, said: “This is a full planning application for the change of use of the former pub into a convenience retail store.
“The first floor, which was used as the pub manager’s accommodation, will remain as a flat. There are no external changes proposed.
“The bellmouth of the south access onto Leek Road will be widened to allow two cars to pass at the same time. The car parking areas to both the front and rear of the building will be reconfigured to provide seventeen car parking spaces, a delivery area and turning areas.
“There is general support for appropriate convenience goods shops in villages as these can reduce the need to travel by car to larger settlements or towns for everyday items. Such shops are also recognised as “community facilities”.
“The change of use from a pub to a convenience store in this sustainable location would be less likely to lead to potential noise nuisance than the continuation of the property as a pub in this residential area, and would not harm the general character, appearance and amenities of the village.
“There would be no significant impact on highways safety with the safeguard of conditions.”
With regard to building five houses Mr Johnston said the layout, density and scale of development was appropriate to the location.
He said: “This is a full planning application for a row of five two-storey four-bed detached houses with a traditional brick and tile design.
“An existing access road running to the side of the pub would be re-used as the sole access for the development and would be extended around the back of the pub forming a cul-de-sac adjacent to the private road to the south side of the pub.
“The houses would face the extended access road, facing the back wall of the pub.
“The layout, density and scale of development are appropriate in this location and respect the surrounding housing development in the village.
“The proposal of five houses maximises the size and shape of the site without appearing over cramped and there are gaps of 1.0 and 2.0 metres separating the dwellings.”