Controversial plan to flatten 19th century Huthwaite pub to build flats given green light
Plans to flatten a 19th century Huthwaite pub to make way for flats have been given the green light despite more than 150 objections.
Developer Halsall Lloyd has been given planning permission to demolish The Peacock in Main Street to pave the way for the building of 22 new flats.
The pub and hotel dates back to 1832, but the business ceased operations in May 2024.
Ashfield District Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the plans on Wednesday (December 10), despite a raft of objections.
Coun Paul Grafton (Ash Ind), chairman of the council, who represents Huthwaite & Brierley, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I raised my objections to the proposals, but I can understand why it was passed by the committee because there are requirements for housing.
“There is a real fear from people that this type of housing is being built for and will be used for housing illegal immigrants, but it is just the fear factor.
"There are a lot of people who cannot afford housing, and there are not many places for single people to rent out.
“I sympathise with how people objectors feel, but what are the alternatives?
"Everyone wants it to be a pub, but no-one was using it.
"It was a similar situation with the Maypole in Skegby.
“People forget – use it or lose it.
"No-one was willing to take it on as a tenant.
"The only other way to do it is where residents buy and run the pub themselves.
"But, and I know myself, the licensing trade is a tough cookie.”
The plans had been hit with 157 objections, with many relating to the demolition of the building, instead of its re-purposing.
One resident, Marta Dobrzynska, said in her objection letter: “Instead of demolition, we urge the council to explore avenues for restoration and re-purposing.
“With thoughtful investment, The Peacock could once again become a vibrant asset to the community, perhaps as a re-envisioned pub, a community centre, or a heritage attraction.
"Once gone, it is gone forever.
“We have a responsibility to future generations to preserve our heritage, not to carelessly discard it for short-term gain.
"The demolition of The Peacock would be a profound and regrettable loss for Huthwaite and a diminished legacy for British heritage.”
Halsall Lloyd made changes to the plans after the council’s planning officers raised concerns about the development’s impact on nearby residents, particularly those living at Orchard Cottage in Boots Yard, located to the south of the proposed building.
The changes resulted in a reduction in the height of the building to two storeys at the southern wing.
It will now also feature a sloped roof, meaning the number of flats has been reduced by one, from 23 to 22.
The developer has further agreed to a condition requiring a record to be produced of the building to Historic England standards, to maintain its records in the history books.
In its justification for the pub’s demolition, the council had said: “The pub’s demolition would result in the total loss of its historic interest.
"The pub has been subject to several modern extensions and alterations which have impacted its significance.”