Planners say pub in flood area ‘not at risk’

DONCASTER COUNCIL planning officers have been criticised for saying a pub conversion was at ‘low risk of flooding’ despite the village it’s situated in being submerged just months ago.

An application was approved by councillors for the Old Anchor Inn pub, on Main Street, in Fishlake to be converted into eight apartments.

Last November the River Don burst its banks and an evacuation of the whole area was ordered.

But planning officer Gary Hilldersley said the application site was one of the “few places in the village” that did not flood.

A report compiled by council planning officer Mark Ramsey, said part of the site was within Flood Zone 2 but the majority was not in this flood zone and therefore the “risk of flooding if considered to be low”.

But one Fishlake resident who was affected by the flooding said the comments in the report were “ludicrous”.

The resident, who did not wished to be named said: “I can’t believe that it’s said to be low risk – no one in their right mind can say that any part Fishlake is at low risk of flooding after what’s happened.

“I’m extremely surprised by this – I’d like to know what evidence they used. If it’s from the Environment Agency then why isn’t someone questioning it?”

Residents submitted an application to have the pub registered as an asset of community value, but this was rejected by Doncaster Council.

In the report to councillors, Mr Ramsay said: “The proposal is considered to be an appropriate use in the residential policy area and is acceptable in the conservation area and the alterations and extensions retain its character as a key building.

“The development is not considered to harm the amenities of adjacent occupiers and provides sufficient parking in line with the standards set out in planning guidance.”