End of an era as Staffordshire pub faces demolition

The Shropshire Inn in Haughton
-Credit: (Image: Google Street View)


Plans to pull down a village pub to make way for two new homes are set to be approved by Stafford Borough councillors. The owners of the Shropshire Inn on Newport Road, Haughton, have previously considered selling the premises but there has been little interest in the past six years.

The business has also struggled to overcome the challenge of having to temporarily close in March 2020 as part of national lockdown measures during the coronavirus pandemic, a statement submitted to Stafford Borough Council said. Earlier this year a planning application was submitted seeking permission to demolish the pub and outbuildings and build two new bungalows in their place, as well as a detached double garage.

The application has been called in by ward councillor Emma Carter on the grounds it would result in loss of a local amenity. Haughton Parish Council has objected to the double garage because it would be built on land outside the development boundary of the village.

READ MORE:Mum stung '108 times' as 'angry wasps' invade Midlands park

READ MORE:Inside Stoke's newest wedding venue in old potbank - and it opens this weekend

One neighbour has raised no issues with the proposed bungalows but is concerned approval could lead to more development in the area. But a report to Stafford Borough Council's planning committee said: "Each application is to be determined on its own individual merits, and this application would not prejudice the determination of any future application.

"The parish council recommends that any consent for this site restricts the height and design of dwellings to single-storey bungalows, with dormers being specifically prohibited. The parish council also recommends that permitted development rights be removed from the development site as a condition of any planning consent; this would ensure that future development of the site is subject to scrutiny and control.

"The planning statement submitted states that the applicant has made several attempts to sell the property as a public house without success, and that the building is currently open limited hours but running at a loss financially. It is also noted that there is an alternative public house in the village - The Bell - which is in close proximity to the application site, and within the same settlement.

"The loss of the public house, whilst unfortunate, is considered justified in this instance based on the information submitted. It is not considered the proposal will result in harm to the appearance of the surrounding area or give rise to any significant residential amenity, ecology or highway safety concerns."

The application has been recommended for approval by borough council planning officers. Stafford Borough Council's planning committee is due to make a decision when it meets on Wednesday (September 25).

Sign up to our main daily newsletter here and get all the latest news straight to your inbox for FREE