Derelict Peaks pub in walkers’ centre plan

A FORMER pub on the fringes of the Peak District could be turned into a centre for holidaymakers, with bed and breakfast accommodation alongside camping facilities.

Although the Stanhope Arms at Dunford Bridge is within the Penistone West area of Barnsley, it also falls with the Peak District National Park, meaning that authority must decide whether the new use is acceptable in the context of its surroundings.

Dunford Bridge is a small village best known for its position at the Barnsley side of the now disused Woodhead railway tunnel and the Stanhope Arms is an imposing building which fell out of use as a pub years ago.

The proposal is to change it from a pub to living accommodation, which would mean making some changes to the building and which would result in five bed and breakfast rooms, along with accommodation for the owners.

Outside, camping pitches for tents and camper vans would be created, alongside ‘pods’ offering fixed accommodation for those visiting on camping style trips.

A new single storey cafe would be constructed, alongside a garage, stables and shower block, but the application by Greenspace Architects states those additions would be “subservient” to the main building and changes to that structure would be mainly internal.

Chairman of Dunford Parish Council, Allen Pestell, said he hoped the application was approved.