Green light for greenbelt pub
Planners have agreed to allow the redevelopment of an historic Sheffield pub, even though it is a listed building in the Green Belt.
They have accepted an application for the Norfolk Arms, a former coaching inn at Ringinglow, to create 13 new bedrooms for guests and to make other changes to the building,, despite objections to the scheme.
The pub was taken over early last year and the owners made it clear that they wanted to develop the business as a pub and restaurant, also providing accommodation for guests.
A previous application to extend a dining area and create a children's play area has already been refused by Sheffield Council.
The approved scheme was reduced in size from original plans, with a proposal for some two-storey buildings scaled down to single storey.
Some outbuildings will be removed to make way for the new development, which also includes new kitchens. Existing extensions to the building will also go, as part of the development.
Objectors were concerned the two-storey extension would block out light and spoil views for neighbours and that nearby properties might be overlooked. There were also worries that lighting used through the night could affect those living nearby, that increased activity would mean more noise, and that parking could become an issue.
Under planning rules, development in the Green Belt is permitted only under exceptional circumstances.
Planning officers accepted the proposals met that criteria and a report to councillors stated: "The public house is one of the very few sources of local employment, and one of the only services, contributing to the rural economy.
"Its loss would inevitably have a negative impact on the local community and rural economy.
"The scheme has been reduced in size. This results in minimal effect on the openness of the Green Belt, with the height of the proposed ridge being similar to that of the existing outbuildings, when viewed from the north.
"The proposal will improve these views from the north, with removal and tidying up of some less sympathetic extensions at the building rear."
The same councillors also rejected a second application in the Green Belt, however, and refused to approve plans for 46 apartments and a rehabilitation centre at a site in the Loxley Valley, Sheffield.
A developer wanted to build on the site of Wisewood Forge, Loxley Road, alongside sheltered retirement flats which are already being built there. Planning permission was granted for that development in 1999, but the latest application involved open land to the east of the existing development.
The application provoked local opposition and Coun Ibrar Hussain, Chairman of the West Planning and Highways Board said: "There is no justification for additional development in the Green Belt, in this sensitive site at the entrance to the Loxley Valley. The community are rightly concerned about the proposals."
In a separate development, a series of grade II listed buildings have been given the go-ahead for transformation into an office complex. The vacant former Don Saw Mills, on Savile Street, will be refurbished under the scheme. The scheme has prevented complete demolition of the buildings.
Bucks Free Press, 12th May 2005
