That's It

The last remaining vestiges of what had been the George & Dragon were demolished yesterday afternoon.  All that remains is a pile of rubble.

There'll  be no final epitaph from us.  We did this a long time ago as previous posts will bear testimony.  However, we aren't going anywhere.  If anything, the real challenge is only just beginning.  A vacant plot will no doubt soon attract the attention of the less desirable.  The owners have a legal obligation to comply with the provisions of the planning permission and ensure that it remains fenced off and secure until such time as development is completed.  Given the evidence to date, that may be some time off.

In the meantime, residents will need to be vigilant.

No Doubt About It

The site of the pub is now fenced off with the JCB inside.  No doubt about what is going to happen next.

Shape of Things to Come?

There is currently a large JCB and lorry loaded with building supplies on the pub car park. Is the demolition work about to commence? Or have they been simply parking overnight?  No doubt we'll soon find out.

The Council Speaks (Again)

This has to be a first.  SBC has responded to our earlier comment about a lack of information concering the current state of the planning application.  All credit to the Borough Council for keeping the local community informed.  We at The Blog are well impressed.  You can see their reply in one of the comments to the post dated 9th November.

The planning permission expires on 15th December which gives the owners just a few more weeks to get on with it.  Apparently they are doing so meaning that demolition work will start imminently.

What the Papers Say

We've just come across an article in this morning's papers about revocation of planning permission in cases where no development work has taken place within a particular period of time following approval.  The move is designed to prevent "land banking" where developers hoard land while waiting for house prices to rise.

However, it could also effect sites like the George & Dragon where the property is acquired simply for the purpose of acquiring planning permission and then selling it on at a profit.

Apparently, it will be down to the local council to decide on how long the planning permission is valid for with a figure of three years being suggested.   Once the time limit has been reached, developers will have to reapply.  Previously, it seems that planning permission could be easily extended but not so now.

The bad news for the owners of the G&D is that their planning permission was granted in December 2010  ...  and the three years will be up on the 15th of next  month!

The Council Speaks

We've now had a reply from SBC.  Here is the full text of their response.

"The decision on this application is still pending".

And that's it.  Now you know as much as we do.  We'll look into this some more and be in touch.

No News

Strange thing.  Since the "demolition" notice appeared, nothing has happened!  We've tried to get in touch with Staffs BC to find out what's going on but have heard nothing.  No change there then.  We're writing this post just to let you know that we here at the Blog are still keeping an eye on things - despite the long silence which isn't helped by interference from the day job.  We'll chase Staffs BC again shortly and keep you posted.

Demolition Notice

Looks like the pub is about to be knocked down.  There is a notice from SBC pinned to it announcing that demolition work will commence on 8th July.

A Result

Well done the Parish Council!  Most of the fly-tipped rubbish was removed today.  There is still some left although it might just be the owners' idea of a security barrier to prevent access to the rear of the pub.  Not perfect by any means but much better than it was before.

Fly Tipping - Update

Just to let readers know that the Parish Council has taken action on the continued fly tipping on the pub site.  They have been in touch with Environmental Services at SBC who have in turn served a notice on the owners for litter and refuse.  They are also meeting with them shortly to ensure compliance.

It seems that they were due to meet this Thursday but someone cancelled the meeting which has been rescheduled for 11th March.

Thanks due to the Parish Council!  We'll keep you posted.

Happy New Year

Happy new year everyone!  We aren't sure what it will bring in terms of the pub but let's hope, whatever happens, it's in the best interests of the community.