Can the New White Bull survive after all?

A full investigation has been launched into the viability of a pub in Giltbrook.

A planning application to turn the New White Bull into a co-op and some flats was turned down by Broxtowe Borough Council and now the owners of the building Paragon Development, have appealed the decision.

Planning inspectors have held a meeting with the council, Paragon and local residents and campigners to look into whether the 1876 building should remain a pub, and have been out on site to see the area.

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A final decison on the appeal and the New White Bull’s fate is expected next week.

The meeting to discuss the appeal, held two weeks ago, featured members of the public desperate to see The New White Bull a thriving local again.

Local business owners spoke about the affect it would have on their trade and pub regulars and local residents put their views forward.

One local business owner was concerned about more lorries on Nottingham Road and the amount of traffic.

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Following the meeting, inspectors went on to examine the site and its surroundings.

Margaret Handley is on Broxtowe Borough Council’s planning committee.

She said: “Inspectors have been in the pub, examined the area and walked the distance between the New White Bull and various other pubs such as The New Inn, The Forresters and The Hayloft. They have also spoken to various business owners in the area.”

The planning committee refused the initial application as they felt the pub served as an important base for the community to meet up and a Co-op store would affect local trade and businesses.

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Cllr Handley said: “The council was genuinely concerned that it was an important asset to the community. The pub joined in with events when we held the annual Greasley Gathering for example, and there are clubs that meet there. Councillors also thought it would affect not only the immediate local shops but trade in Eastwood town centre.”

The New White Bull was sold by Greene King several years ago due to a slump in trade.

A huge campaign was launched by locals to save the pub from being turned into a covenience store and eventually Greene King backed down and promised to look for a new landlord, as the manager at the time was temporary.

However, nobody came forward to run the pub and it went back on the market. It was bought by Paragon Development last year, who subitted the application to turn it into a Co-op and flats.

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At the end of last year the Advertiser reported that Paragon had submitted an application to have the pub bulldozed.

Broxtowe Borough Council also refused this application on the basis that the pub used to be listed as an Asset of Community Value.