October 31, 2018 4.44 pm This story is over 65 months old

Historic Haxey Hood pub saved from homes plan

Saved from new homes plan
The Duke William Hotel, Church Street in Haxey.

A historic pub which plays an “integral” part in the Haxey Hood game has been saved from plans to turn it into housing.

The Duke William Hotel on Church Street in Haxey had been proposed to be turned into seven two-bedroom detached bungalows and a two-storey detached house.

But councillors on North Lincolnshire Council’s planning committee threw out the plans after unanimously voting that the proposal would have an impact on the village.

The pub is one of four places that take part in the ancient Haxey Hood game.

The historic event involves a large scrum called the sway, which sees people push a leather tube called the hood to one of four public houses, where it remains until the following year’s event.

Alan Holgate, We Live Here Haxey Community Group member.

Alan Holgate, from the We Live Here Haxey Community Group which objected to the plans, said the group would continue to fight to save the pub.

“I’m very pleased and happy about the decision,” he said.

“All along we have been fighting to keep the Duke as a public house.

“If things had been done in a different way then we would not have been in this position to keep fighting it all the way to the council chamber.”

Mr Holgate added that the group would like to see the pub invested in and “brought into the 21st century” so it can continue as a community asset.

The Fool’s speech at the annual Haxey Hood event. Photo: Haxey Hood Twitter

But Mark Simmonds, who spoke on behalf of applicant Paul Chapman, said the pub “was not viable” and accounts had been submitted to the local authority to prove it.

Councillor David Rose, member for Axholme South, said people “rightfully felt very strong about this issue” and that the application was “flawed”.

He added that the application was trying to build too many homes on a small site.

Meanwhile, Councillor Mick Grant, member of the planning committee, said councillors should not stand in the way of villagers.

“300 people turned up to a meeting in Haxey and said they do not want this,” he said.

“Who are we to argue with them?”

Councillors on the authority’s planning committee unanimously turned down the application.

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