October 20, 2021 5.15 pm This story is over 29 months old

Pub without parking for customers doesn’t impress councillors

Redevelopment would offer only tenant spaces
Bay Horse pub, Garthorpe, which is set to be redeveloped.| Photo: Google Maps

Plans to reopen a historic village pub have been put on hold after councillors heard there would not be enough parking  for customers.

Councillors said the idea of reopening the Bay Horse in Garthorpe was ‘good in principle’ but had concerns about the impact on traffic.

The village’s only pub has been closed for the last eight and a half years.

RJE Planning & Developments had tabled a plan to reopen it in at a more manageable size, and turn remaining space into a shop and four flats.

However, North Lincolnshire Council planning committee heard there was not enough parking for tenants – let alone customers.

Simon Dunn, who lives nearby, said: “I don’t object to development of the pub – something needs to be done with it – but I have problems with the parking and density of the application.

“If there are four flats, including the landlord’s, there will likely be eight vehicles. But there is only space for seven on site.

“Patrons will have pretty slim pickings. The road is not wide, and is already used by other residents.”

The pub closed in 2012 after the landlady left with no replacement.

The venue had failed to sell twice at auction at the time, and hadn’t attracted any interest on the market.

A representative of RJE Planning & Developments said: “Reopening the pub isn’t viable on its own – to be viable, there needs to be the apartments and shop.

“The pub is too large for this small village. Reopening it will enhance the viability of this rural community.

“It will be the most significant development Garthorpe has soon in many, many years, bringing construction jobs and employment opportunities.

“Residents have been fully supportive – the only concerns I have heard have been about noise and disturbance.

“It will have huge benefits for the village, with the shop reducing travel to other villages.”

Ward councillor John Briggs said: “It’s very rare to reopen a village pub rather than close it these days. I am very supportive of the idea.

“However, are these plans acceptable in the current form? Problems with traffic have to be taken into account.”

Councillor John Davison agreed that the development was “good in principle” and agreed that the committee needed to see the location before making a decision.

The application will be reviewed at a future planning meeting.