Villagers start fight to keep the bulldozers from old pub
VILLAGERS have launched a fight to save a former pub from demolition.
In October, plans were put forward to pull down the Cross Keys Inn, in Ashbourne Road, Turnditch, along with an adjoining former butchers shop, to make way for new homes.
The proposals, which have been submitted to Amber Valley Borough Council, would see the site levelled and four detached homes built in its place.
Since the plans were lodged though, the authority has received more than 30 letters of objection from the public.
The majority of those letters object to the demolition of what they feel is an historic building in the heart of the village.
Among those who have voiced their opposition is Turnditch and Windley Parish Council.
In a letter to the borough council,the council said: “The parish council asserts that the loss of the Cross Keys, both as a public house and community facility, as well as it being one of the very few significant and historic buildings within the village, outweighs any benefits that might be brought by the development of four detached houses.
“The Cross Keys has stood in the heart of the village of Turnditch for centuries.
“Evidence derived from some of its architectural features allows the original parts of the building to be dated to the 18th century, or earlier, when it was used as a coaching inn.
“The parish council, supported by residents in the village, submits that the loss of this facility will have an adverse impact on the community as a whole from a social, economic and environmental perspective.
“While the planning application argues that the business is no longer viable, this directly contradicts the trend of other similar businesses in the locality.
“The Black Swan at Idridgehay and the Cock Inn at Mugginton were both un- der similar threat and yet are now being run as successful pub/restaurants.”
The pub belongs to Bespoke Inns, the same company that owns The Dragon, in Willington. It has owned the Cross Keys since 2010 after buying it from the Scottish and Newcastle pub company. It invested £80,000 in revamping the venue and brought in an experienced management team to run it.
Not long after the pub reopened, a tenant, in the form of Anthony Andrews Traditional Butchers, was found for the vacant shop unit annexed to the business, which was formerly occupied by a post office.
That business has since moved out of those premises and has a shop at Duffield.
According to the planning application, the most recent tenants of the Cross Keys decided not to renew their lease due to “the rural location of the property, increased competition, lack of local support and the general economic climate”.
The pub was put on the market but despite incentives such as six months free rent, there were no takers.
In planning documents submitted by JMI Planning, on behalf of Bespoke Inns, it said: “Following an unsuccessful marketing exercise, the applicant has reluctantly considered alternative uses for the building.
“The only serious offer based on freehold sale was from a developer proposing to redevelop the site for housing.
“The public house is currently vacant. Initially, the venture proved a success and developed a good reputation for food and service.
“However, faced with increasing competition and limited regular local customers, profits dwindled and the pub was forced to close a year before the lease was due to come to an end.”
The Cross Keys pub was registered by the district council in July this year as an asset of community value. While the planning application accepts that the proposal will involve the loss of the community facility, it argues that the village is served by other pubs.
The loss outweighs any benefits that might be brought by the development. Parish Council letter