Housing plan for land around listed pub from 17th century
PLANS have been submitted to build three low energy, low carbon homes within land surrounding a Grade II* listed Staffordshire Moorlands pub.
A planning application has been put forward to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council by John Wilby to construct the homes at the Abbey Inn, located on Abbey Green Road, Leek.
The listed building is a survivor of the 17th-18th century and remains in use as an inn and restaurant.
A design and access statement submitted with the application said: “It is proposed to construct three low energy, low carbon built houses within the curtilage of the Abbey Inn site, set down so as not to affect the site line of the pub from the Abbey Green Road.
“The existing main access would be used, with parking to the rear of the properties.
“The houses would be built at the lower end of the site which currently forms a grassed area/driveway and some car parking.
“This part of the property was substantially altered in around 1965 by a local brewery who created the driveway and car park, but is now part lawned.
“To achieve this, the original bowling green was infilled and removed, along with the surrounding English Yew trees.
“The properties would be set below the level of the Abbey Inn by stepping the build, or preferably digging out the infill which would mean that only the upper floor/roof line would be seen, similarly to the cottages down the road.
“They would sit off the south east corner of the Abbey Inn site, and as such, would not be directly in front. They would have little or no visual impact from the south to north views, or the neighbouring property due to the low height and siting.
“In addition to the proposed three dwellings, Mr and Mrs Wilby wish to refurbish and improve the inn and ensure the conservation and preservation of the listed building.
“Due to the construction of the rear extensions and lack of insulation, it is proposed to provide external cladding and the addition of insulation. Improvements also to the roof construction and access to the rear entrance.
“The land rising from the building is very steep and difficult to maintain. It is proposed that solar panels are installed on this land to generate electricity for the inn and an additional income.
“It is proposed to repair and refurbish the raised terrace at the south elevation; reflagging and rerailing to provide a more welcoming entrance to the inn with amenable outdoor seating and dining area for customers.
“The outlook from the terrace and its southerly aspect provides a very pleasant outdoor area in which to enjoy refreshment and food.
“The Wilby’s therefore wish to enhance and maximise the potential of this setting. Improvements to the landscaping of the car park is proposed.
“The car parking area would have provision for 20 car spaces including disabled parking. A grassed/garden area would be created with outdoor seating and tables.
“The existing floodlights would be replaced with low level lighting. The reinstatement of the yew trees lining the western boundary is proposed. The petanque court would be retained and relocated to ensure recreation of a bowling nature is continued upon this historic bowling site.
“The self catering holiday let would be improved and upgraded. The remaining tipped rubble to the rear of the holiday let would be removed and the land regraded. These proposals would create employment for the local area and provide a future for the inn.
“The construction and sale of the houses would provide the capital to enable Mr and Mrs Wilby to preserve the listed building, as well as improve the inn externally and internally, bringing tourism to the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
“The proposed properties would not impact on the visual aspect of the Abbey Inn from the roadside due to the contours of the landscape and new hedging, nor would they impact visually upon the cottage next door to the south of the site.
“It is proposed to reuse the existing vehicular accesses serving the Abbey to gain access to the site.
“The access benefits from good visibility on egress onto the Abbey Green Road, owing to the wide open frontage that currently exists.
“Each dwelling will also benefit from the provision of two parking spaces, and there is sufficient land along the private drive to permit occasional overflow guest parking.”
It is expected that a decision by planners will be made within the next eight weeks.