Row brewing at historic Mansfield pub over lights and signs plan

The New Inn, on West Gate, is a grade II listed building that dates back to the mid-17th century and sits within a conservation area.

It is constructed of traditional stone and retains a number of features considered of architectural interest, including 19th century sash windows and gabled dormers.

Through its community brand, Proper Pubs, The New Inn is operated by Admiral Taverns, of Chester, and is immensely popular with locals.

Admiral has submitted a planning application to Mansfield District Council for listed building consent to erect illuminated and non-illuminated signs and carry out an external redecoration of the pub.

However, history and architecture buffs, led by the Nottinghamshire Building Preservation Trust (NBPT) charity, have put a spanner in the works.

In an email to the council, the NBPT says: "We are concerned that the proposed signage would have a detrimental effect on the listed building by virtue of the inappropriate scale of the signage and the amount of it.

"We recommend that the application is amended to reduce the amount and visual impact of the proposed signage.

"However, the application does retain the features of the building without alteration, and the opportunity to present an improved colour scheme is welcomed."

Admiral Taverns insists the new decorations "would enhance the appearance of the pub" and that the new signs would merely replicate those already there.

The company stresses the signs and lighting would "improve the presentation and maintenance of an important building", rather than harm it.

Statements sent to the council say: "There are some minor internal redecoration works being undertaken, and the existing signs, due to their condition or age, do not support this development.

"The works are intended to provide a coherent and appropriately scaled appearance, which reflect the building's use as a traditional pub while respecting its listed status and sensitive conservation area location.

"Particular care would be taken to avoid obscuring or detracting from significant architectural features, including the historic windows, dormers and stone dressings.

"The proposed lighting would be designed to provide controlled and subdued illumination, rather than excessive brightness or glare.

"The works are considered predominantly cosmetic and visual in nature. They would have a very limited impact on the special architectural and historic interest of the building."

The final adjudicators will be the council's planning officers, who hope to make a decision or recommendation on the proposal by their deadline date of Monday, December 7.

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/