Lincoln Imp to be knocked down to make way for flats after appeal

The Lincoln Imp is getting knocked down in Scunthorpe
-Credit: (Image: GrimsbyLive/Donna Clifford)


A former beloved Scunthorpe pub will be demolished to make way for 20 apartments.

Twice proposals have been made to demolish The Lincoln Imp, in Gloucester Avenue, and replace it with 20 affordable homes. Both times councillors refused.

A planning appeal, however, has overturned the latest rejection. Ward councillors have expressed disappointment at the lost opportunity to revive the pub, which shut in August 2022.

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It had been made an asset of community value by North Lincolnshire Council in July 2022 and a group, Save The Imp, was specially formed to try to organise a community bid to buy it. A viability assessment provided by applicant Shape Land and Property Ltd estimated a .£300,000 outlay to bring the pub back to use, though.

Planning inspector Paul Cooper gave this full weight, stating it was thorough and he did not doubt its authenticity. He states third parties claim the owners impeded any possible interest, and a community group was looking to raise funds at the time of the appeal. However, Mr Cooper says he had no further evidence for this.

Admiral Taverns have been the site owners. A spokesperson for Admiral Taverns said: "At Admiral, we take great pride in helping our licensees run sustainable businesses. In the case of the Lincoln Imp, we did everything we could to try and ensure a long-term future for this pub. This included holding proactive discussions with various relevant community stakeholders, including the Music Venue Trust, local councillors, council officers and through them, the wider community. Despite these extensive efforts we struggled to find a solution under our ownership or a third party and to date, we have not received any offers for the freehold of the property."

Kingsway with Lincoln Gardens Ward Cllr Helen Rayner, who is also Save the Imp's treasurer, commented: "As ward councillors myself and Tony (Gosling) have actively engaged with the group in trying to Save the Imp, we have worked with council officers, the Plunkett Foundation and the local CAMRA group to hopefully try to save this community asset."

"Our campaign has attracted a lot of support from far and wide," said Cllr Gosling. "The Save the Imp group had exciting plans to develop not just a public house and entertainment venue but also a community hub to benefit the whole area across all age groups. Sadly, despite a covenant on the site this opportunity has been lost."

Visual of planned apartments at former Lincoln Imp site
Visual of planned apartments at former Lincoln Imp site -Credit:Jennings Design Associates / North Lincolnshire Council

In the appeal decision, the planning inspector describes The Lincoln Imp ongoing saga as "an emotive one for many interested parties", because of the potential for its re-opening and use again as a music venue. The pub was a 300 capacity venue, and Mr Cooper acknowledged its "long and storied history".

But while he had empathy for those looking to restore it, "it would appear that no realistic counter-offer has emerged" to do so. He concluded the proposed two-storey building of 20 affordable homes should be viewed positively to develop "a dilapidating site in a residential area". He likewise did not agree with council concerns about the living conditions of future occupiers, based on the amount of private amenity space.

All of the apartments will be one bed. Fifteen car spaces, including two disabled, and 20 bicycle spaces will be created too.

Shape Land and Property Ltd also applied for costs against the council. The inspector refused this as he found no area where North Lincolnshire Council had behaved unreasonably. "They have negotiated with the applicant through the process. They have produced a measured justification for their reasons for refusal."

Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham also twice spoke against the proposals at two planning meetings. He said: "I'm really disappointed and I still hope there's an opportunity for the community to be able to create a project around the site."

"The planning inspector clearly accepted the council in refusing the application had a legitimate viewpoint, but they've taken a different view based on the viability of the venue." He added the council had been supportive of community group efforts.