The future of the pub which is the oldest building in part of Nottinghamshire town has been decided. Plans for the conversion of The Blue Bell pub on Mansfield Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, which evaded being demolished by developers in the past, were approved by Ashfield District Council on May 17.
The existing pub, which was built in the early 19th century, will be turned into four two-storey houses and four additional four-bedroom properties will be built on land behind the property. A council report described the pub, which is currently boarded up, as the "oldest surviving" building in its part of Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Previously a plan to demolish the pub and use the land for five three-bedroom townhouses and an apartment block was rejected. On April 26, 2022, Ashfield District Council refused the proposal, criticising the potential complete demolition of the pub and concluding the new homes would cause "detrimental harm".
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But in a decision report on the recently approved plans, it was said Nottinghamshire County Council's heritage officer was now happy with the outlined future of the building, as long as a condition ensured the repairs and restorative work to the building. Planning documents, submitted by applicant Rancourt Ltd, stated the pub had closed on March 1, 2022.
An Ashfield District Council planning officer, recommending the project for approval, highlighted the housing would help with the council's low supply, adding: "The proposal will see the retention of the non-designated heritage asset. Overall having reviewed all the submitted information, and material planning considerations, within the planning balance, conditional consent is recommended for the application."
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