Victory in pub fight
LOCALS will have first refusal to buy a derelict pub earmarked for flats.
Campaigners fighting to save The Chopwell Hotel being turned into accommodation have won their bid to have the run-down boozer classed as an Asset of Community Value.
Neighbours want to turn the site into a community bike hub and cafe.
However, Excell Property Development has resubmitted amended plans to Gateshead Council for flats at the Derwent Street site.
Councillors previously rejected a bid over parking and security fears, although the new application aims to address those concerns.
But the new classification means the owner must offer it to locals at market value before any other potential buyer.
And awarding the status, Gateshead Council praised applicant The Chopwell Regeneration Group.
“The nominating organisation is clearly active in making a significant effort to promote the regeneration of the village, including the subject property, and that it appears to have the backing of the wider local community in its aspirations,” stated Mike Barker, the council’s strategic director of corporate services and governance.
He added “no significant planning reason” appears to exist why the venue couldn’t be converted into the bike hub and cafe.
However, despite the victory, locals would still need to raise the cash to buy the venue. One option could be to seek community funding.
If not, then other parties can bid on it.
Jodie Barwick-Bell, chairman of Chopwell Regeneration Group, said the fundraising starts now to help secure it for the village.
“We are delighted that Gateshead Council has recognised the importance to our community of the Chopwell Hotel, both during the last 100 years and we believe for many generations to come,” she said.
“We remain determined that it stays a public building, becoming again the heart of the village and being an integral part of the community’s wider regeneration plans including the planned large-scale pump track in Chopwell Park.
“The status of the building as an Asset of Community Value hopefully gives us a way to prevent the conversion actually happening.”
Representatives for Excell Property Development have not replied to a request for comment.
Public documents previously submitted on their behalf state it believes “residential is the best way forward” for the site.
However, 500 objections flooded in to oppose the previous planning bid.
The regeneration group say it is planning a similar move to oppose these plans, while claiming the revised plans have changed “very little”.
“The revised application has changed very little from the original, predominantly just the addition of one parking space and some security lighting,” added Jodie.
“We cannot understand why the owner believes that these minor amendments will solve the serious problems raised last time round when the application was unanimously rejected by Gateshead Council planning committee.
“The petition signed by 500 people against converting The Hotel into residential housing will be resubmitted, and we understand numerous residents of Chopwell will again be objecting.
“We hope that the council planning committee will not change their minds as a result of very minor changes to the application.”
Gateshead Council is planning a £1m scheme to help regenerate the area.