November 12, 2019 2.50 pm This story is over 52 months old

Developer appeals pub demolition refusal

City council rejected the plan in April
Queen Street at the junction with High Street in Lincoln, outside The Golden Cross pub.

Developers have lodged an appeal against a decision to reject plans to demolish a 60-year-old Lincoln High Street pub for student housing.

City of Lincoln Council refused the proposal to flatten the Golden Cross pub back in April.

Councillors were asked to approve the principle of the site becoming student housing before a full proposal to demolish the building could be submitted.

But, the authority rejected the plan after councillors said there was “insufficient information” in the proposal to “demonstrate that the development could be accommodated without damaging the area”.

Now, applicant, Charlie Creane, has lodged an appeal with the government’s Planning Inspectorate against the decision.

Designs on the High Street side of the plan for the Golden Cross pub.

The outline plan proposed a three storey, 47 room student accommodation on the site of the Golden Cross pub.

It included en-suite rooms, a common room and kitchen on each floor, as well as two laundry rooms for the first and second floors.

The pub was built in 1959 and is popular with Lincoln City fans on matchdays.

But, Chris Henderson, who spoke on behalf of the applicant at the planning meeting, said traditional pubs were “struggling to survive” in the current economic climate and that student housing would be “positive” for the city.

Designs for student housing on the Golden Cross pub site, High Street.

Councillors said they were concerned that the plan was not in keeping with the area and nearby Queen Street.

Councillor Bob Bushell raised further concern that the full plan was not brought before committee.

“I do not see why the full application cannot come before this committee,” he said.

“I am usually supportive of student housing in this city and I know that we need it, but not at any price.”

The government’s planning inspector is expected to make a decision at a later date.

SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from our coverage every week and insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.