Yahoo News End of an era as North Staffordshire pub to be turned into One Stop
A former North Staffordshire pub will soon be turned into a new One Stop convenience store. The Grove House in Chesterton shut its doors for good in 2023 having "closed and opened numerous times" in recent years.
An advertisement consent application - awaiting approval - has been submitted to Newcastle Borough Council this month to erect One Stop signage at the premises. It comes after a change of use planning application to convert the London Road building into a convenience store was rubber-stamped last year.
The application stated: "The store will function as a small, local food store helping meet the day-to-day needs of local residents, comprising a local walk-in catchment population and a limited amount of pass-by trade. The store is expected to carry a basic range of groceries, ready meals, sandwiches and snacks, beers, wines and spirits and a range of fresh fruit and vegetables.
"Some five-plus staff are expected to be employed, and there will be job opportunities for experienced retail employees as well as part-time and shift work for young adults and retirees. Given the nature of local retailing, most staff are expected to be recruited locally, and the scope exists for training and promotion, with sales assistants often continuing to make a career in the retail industry."
In a report recommending approval for the plans, the council planning officer states: "Although the proposal would result in the loss of public house, it must be noted that the there are other public houses nearby which are still available for use by the local community.
"Including ‘The Black Horse’ which is located approximately 125m to the west of the application site, and ‘The Red Lion’ which is located 600m to the northwest, both of which are considered to be within reasonable walking distance. The proposed use of the building as a convenience store will still benefit the local community."
