Pub plans for post office

The application to Ashfield District Council is for change of use from post office shop and off license to post office, shop and cafe-micro pub at Portland Road Post Office, Selston.

If successful there would be a micro-pub bar opening in the afternoon serving coffee, beers and wines for consumption on the premises.

The drinking of alcohol would be restricted to the rooms at the rear whilst the post office is open.

In their supporting statement the applicant states: “With opening hours extending into the evenings and at the weekends this would create another type of social hub for local residents.

“Our plan is to remove the least popular retail goods to create some space in the shop and install some tables and seating.

“In addition, two further rooms to the rear of the property would be opened for public use and toilets installed.”

The applicant adds that micro-pubs are community venues aiming to attract local residents within walking distance, adding:

“The numbers of people coming by car will be low and as they are not merely nipping in to collect a parcel they will be more likely to park legally and safely.

“A micro-pub could reduce traffic volumes in those cases where someone who normally drives elsewhere for a drink decides to stay local and walks to the micro-pub.”

The micro pub format has no sports TVs, no loud music or gaming machines, therefore noise and disturbance emanating from the interior will be minimal, ornamental screens will be installed to the rear of the building to prevent customers looking directly at neighbouring properties.

Noise and disturbance will be monitored with the aid of internal and external CCTV cameras and the applicant promises to continue to work with neighbours.

to keep them supportive.

The statement adds that a previous application elicited no objections from any local residents or the highways department and to support the application.

A counter top petition collected 425 signatures of support of which 387 were Selston residents, the other 38 mainly coming from surrounding villages who wished to sign to express their approval for micro pubs in general.

The applicant states: “The change of use would create a social hub for a wide variety of local people, secure the financial future of the business and the two proprietors’ jobs and it would also create new jobs.”

“Micro pubs have opened across the district and the format is hugely popular.”