Agenda item

Planning application for the change of use from public house to 1no. dwelling - resub of 146710

The Case Officer explained there were no updates to the report since publication and delivered his presentation. He displayed the site location plan, photographs of the site and neighbouring dwellings, satellite photographs, and photographs of the car park from a North perspective off Linwood Road and to the South of the current beer garden. The Case Officer explained that the external changes would consist of removal of signage and a continuation of the picket fence across the car park, which would leave access for the two dwellings accessed through car park as well as the Maltings residence.

Mrs Redstone addressed the Committee and gave background to Members that she moved to Lissington and purchased the pub in the Covid-19 Pandemic and renovated the property. Following renovations, the pub was opened, and business was buoyant for the first few months and had become quiet. With the cost-of-living crisis, running costs for alcohol, food, utility bills and wages had impacted the owners, and the business was no longer viable. The owners had marketed the pub and ran local events such as quiz nights and approached the Parish Council. They had tried to sell the pub as a business and had received no interest or offers from potential buyers.

Mr Robinson addressed the Committee in objection to the application and explained he represented the White Hart Community Group. He shared that the previous owner had demonstrated the pub’s viability from his turnover in 2020. The current owners had closed the pub for months and it was felt the sale price was unrealistic given the property’s proposed change of use. He explained that there were financial backers proposing to purchase the pub to keep in the community. Mr Robinson urged for the pub not to close as a community asset to Lissington, and for the owners to work with the community group to make the pub thrive.

Councillor Bunney clarified he was not a Ward Member for Lissington, but residents of his ward from surrounding villages had used the pub. It was felt the closure of the only pub in Lissington would have a detrimental effect on the social life of residents and impact the welfare of the community. He empathised with the owners given the economic pressure and impact of Covid-19 on managing and running a public house.

Officers responded to comments made by speakers and explained there had been no evidence of the profitability of the public house from previous owners, and the pub was purchased from administration by the current owners. There was no knowledge of any financial backers from the White Hart Community Group.

Members discussed the application and expressed their surprise that a parish council had not been arranged to discuss the closure of the pub. Members felt it was disappointing to hear of another pub closure, but expressed sympathy given the financial concerns and need for pubs to reinvent themselves to remain viable.

Officers responded to Member comments and explained the application had put forward for change of use and evidence demonstrated the loss of earnings and owner’s attempts to market and run events. The pub had been marketed since December 2022 and the application was recommended for approval.

It was proposed and seconded that the application be refused.

Upon the vote for refusal of the application, there were 2 votes for refusal, 8 votes against and one abstention. The vote was lost.

The Chairman invited Members to vote to grant the application, as stated in the report under the officer’s recommendations.

On taking the vote, it was agreed that planning permission be GRANTED subject to conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report.