'Important community asset' social club in Ashfield hopes for beer-garden nod

The Progressive Club has been serving locals in Stanton Hill for many years and has a strong reputation for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere in a small, cosy setting. It has more than 150 followers on Facebook.

Work started in May on an outdoor beer-garden, with seating and five tables, after the Alexandra Terrace club entered into a lease agreement with the owners of empty neighbouring land that was just being used for storage.

Now Phillip Kay has submitted a formal planning application to Ashfield District Council to complete the scheme, which would include replacing rotten fence panels.

A planning statement, prepared by the club’s Derby-based agents, The Practical Planning Company, supports the application.

It says: “The proposal includes the change of use for a small parcel of adjoining land to allow it to be incorporated into the existing club premises.

"The outdoor beer-garden would support the continued success and long-term viability of this established community facility.”

The Progressive Club is described in the statement as “a valuable meeting-place for local residents that contributes to the social and economic vitality of Stanton Hill”.

"It has long been an important community asset, providing a venue where residents can meet, socialise and participate in community activities,” it goes on.

"This proposal would reinforce the club's role within the local community and contribute positively to the social wellbeing of the village.”

The statement also stresses that “like many hospitality venues, local social clubs face significant economic challenges”.

Therefore, “investment in improved customer facilities is essential to ensure their long-term sustainability”.

"The proposed beer-garden would increase the attractiveness of the premises, encourage customers to stay longer and provide additional seats during favourable weather,” the statement continues.

"Outdoor seating has become an increasingly important feature of licensed premises, with many customers preferring to socialise in an open-air environment.

"The beer-garden would also provide a designated area for customers who smoke, reducing the need for them to gather at the front of the premises or on the public highway.”

The club stresses that the beer-garden would be “actively managed by staff”, with “clear signage encouraging respectful behaviour and consideration towards neighbouring properties”.

Although the club itself was open until 11 pm on most nights, and 12 midnight on Saturdays, the garden would close every night at 10 pm, “limiting the potential for late-night disturbance”.

"It is not considered thar the proposal would result in an unacceptable impact on neighbours,” the statement says.

"The beer-garden would provide a safe, enclosed and attractive outdoor seating area for customers, enhancing the club’s facilities and making effective use of adjoining land.”

The council’s planning officers are currently considering the scheme and have set a deadline date of Monday, September 21 for a decision or recommendation.

THE details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/