A pub owner has warned the fencing off of a footpath for a new retail park could lead to the closure of their business. The Plough Inn on Church Street, Warsop, would not be able to operate if the existing unregistered right of way between Burns Lane and Church Street was fenced off as part of the redevelopment of the vacant Strand cinema, according to its owner's objection to the plans.
Planning permission was granted in 2019 for the demolition of former Strand cinema, with the building to be replaced by a new retail or leisure park. The approved layout for this development includes a pedestrian access through the site from Burns Lane to Church Street.
The pub's owner has filed an objection to the plans, citing land ownership and access issues. They stated the fencing off of the footpath would stop access to their delivery yard, resulting in the pub's closure.
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In response to the objection from the owner of the pub, applicant ARBA Developments argued the approved scheme shows no restriction between the Plough Inn and the site boundary, with access for maintenance to still be provided. ARBA Developments also claimed a Land Registry search showed the Plough Inn did not include Plough Yard, adding the pub had not submitted any evidence of vehicular access to Plough Yard.
In a planning document, Andrew Allen, of ARBA Developments, said: "The closure enables the development of a consented scheme that when complete will then provide a secure, lit, compliant route between Church Street and Burns Lane via the car park. The scheme will provide parking and allow pedestrians to safely leave the scheme exiting on to Church Street and the existing pelican crossing.
"In our view the closure enabling the scheme to be developed will provide a considerably improved landscape between Burns Lane and Church Street. The stopping up permitting development of the site will produce a much-enhanced environment with safer routes around the town and much better connectivity."
In a report submitted ahead of Mansfield District Council's planning committee on December 19, officers have advised the authority cannot confirm the stopping up of the footpath, with it due to be referred to the Government's Planning Inspectorate. The council will determine the application unless the objection is withdrawn.
The Plough Inn was contacted for comment. ARBA Developments was also contacted for comment.
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