New Planning Application: Amendment

We'd been expecting an amendment to the planning application for a week or so and now it has finally come through.  We've now received notification from SBC that the amendment has been changed to read: "... before the proposed development commences but excluding demolition work."

As we suggested in an earlier post, it looks very much like the owners want to knock the pub down to make the site easier to sell but don't want to have to pay for any of the work required to comply with the conditions of the planning permission.  And that's what the amendment seems to be all about.

We are still trying to find out whether or not we will have to write in all over again or whether existing letters still count (we suspect the latter).  Whatever the case, our view remains the same as before.  The owners started all of this and they should finish it by developing the site in accordance with the planning permission they have been granted.

If the pub is demolished, the site may remain undeveloped for some considerable length of time.  Not wishing to worry anyone unduly but here are some of the implications:

• Threat of occupation by travellers
• Impact of an unsightly demolition site on the local area
• Potential health and safety issues

Our advice is to object again even if you have already done so.  We'll let you know as soon as we learn anything more.

Closing date for objections is now 11 December 2011.
Application ref: 11/16147/FUL
Case officer: Alan Lynch
Telephone no. 01785 649533

Here's a copy of the most recent letter from SBC.

More on the New Planning Application

We think we've got our heads around this one now thanks to feedback from friends of The Blog and one of our Borough Councillors.

Although the proposed amendment to the wording is slight, the implications are potentially far-reaching.  Basically, it means that, if approved, the owners could demolish the pub and sell off the site either as a job lot or individual plots without having to spend money on designing the road, street lighting and drainage infrastructure that the planning permission presently requires them to do before any development activity takes place.

What's more (and this is our assumption) with the pub demolished, the land could remain derelict until such time that it is sold off which might take some considerable time.   If you think the place looks unsightly now, imagine what it would look like with the pub gone and no one being held responsible for making sure that it looks neat, tidy and in good order.  Given what's happened to the site of the former Smithfield pub in Blythe Bridge, this situation could last for quite a while.  Years, even.

Our view is that since the owners started all of this, designed the development and produced the plans they should be responsible for discharging all and any of their obligations in accordance with the required standards to the satisfaction of the designated authorities as stated in their planning permission.

If you agree, do make your feelings known by posting an objection on the SBC website or by writing to them.  Again, the details are:

Online: www.staffordbc.gov.uk/planning

Post:
Mr A. Lynch
Planning Services
Stafford Borough Council
Civic Centre
Riverside
Stafford
ST16 3AQ

Don't forget to mention the planning application reference, 11/16147/FUL