Application To Convert Vacant Pub Into Housing Set To Be Granted

An application to convert vacant pub into housing looks set to be given the go ahead next week.

The disused Black Horse Inn, on Top Road in Summerhill would be partially demolished and converted / altered to form three residential dwellings.

Each house would consist of two bedrooms along with four parking spaces for the properties.

The building itself is described in the application as having a black and white ‘half-timbered’ finish and over the past few years the property has been subject to occasional vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Back in March we reported that in 2012 a similar application to turn the property into residential property was lodged, however was refused in September of the same year. An unsuccessful appeal in March 2013 was also refused.

However the report due to go before the Committee on Monday it states: “The principle of losing a shopping/commercial use was examined as part of the earlier application for 5 dwellings (P/2012/0259), and this was not considered to be an issue for this location.

“Since the situation within the area has not changed since that decision, the loss of the pub use is not a material concern.

“The main issue for this revised scheme is whether this scheme now provides reasonable amenity for the new occupants and that the scheme does not cause issues for local residents.”

Within the report a number of concerns / objections are cited, with the Community Council stating that there is ‘Inadequate access to the site. Parking arrangements are unacceptable and arrangements for bin storage are not ideal and could lead to vandalism.”

It is also noted that 12 neighbours were notified of the proposals and two letters of concerns were also submitted.

Some of the concerns submitted include the lack of pavements involved in the site, traffic issues and potential disturbance caused by the demolition.

However the report offers some revised recommendations that acknowledge the concerns raised, noting that permission may be granted if the construction and formation of a 2m wide footpath across the full road frontage of the site and on-site parking and turning for three cars.

The full application can be viewed on the Council website here.