Agenda item

DM/16/03932/FPA - George And Dragon Inn, Boldron, Barnard Castle

Change of use to single dwelling

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding change of use to a single dwelling at the George and Dragon Inn, Boldron, Barnard Castle.

 

The Senior Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation that included plans and photographs of the site.

 

Mr Ryan was a local resident and regular user of the George and Dragon, objecting on the grounds that should the change of use be approved, it would be irreversible.  Mr Ryan considered the asking price for the pub was too high to attract enquiries and the viability of the George and Dragon could not be properly assessed unless the accounts were made public.  Mr Ryan suggested that the application be deferred until such information was presented.

 

Mr Race, the applicant, confirmed that he had owned the George and Dragon for ten years.  In that time he had never made a significant breakthrough in terms of the business, despite every attempt to make it successful.  He had offered various services such as evening meals, Sunday lunch and Bed and Breakfast, but had suffered a huge financial loss.  As a last resort, Mr Race had advertised the business for sale which resulted in the premises being leased, however the tenant left.  Following that, Mr Race closed the property and invested in a full refurbishment.  He was approached by local residents in 2014 who expressed an interest in purchasing the premises, however no formal offer was ever received and the George and Dragon reopened for business.  Mr Race had anticipated that this would be a success however aside from a few regular customers, the community did not embrace the business and the premises was put back on the market for sale.

 

Mr Race confirmed that he applied for a notice for closure in November 2016 and the final day of trading was on 6 February 2017.  Mr Race had lost a considerable amount of money attempting to make the business a success but sadly, all attempts had failed.  He acknowledged the ongoing support from a small group of local residents, however the majority of Boldron and the wider community did not use the George and Dragon, and furthermore, a modern refurbished Village Hall was able to service the village in its absence.

 

The Chairman invited the Planning and Development Solicitor to comment on the viability of the premises as a public house and it was confirmed that evidence had been provided by the applicant and scrutinised.

 

The Chairman commented that it was sad to see the demise of a local business and the impact on the village as a result.

 

Councillor Kay confirmed that it was regrettable that the George and Dragon would be lost, however it was not a unique situation – many licenced premises were facing similar fates with supermarkets offering cut price alcohol and people choosing to drink at home.  The applicant had made genuine attempts, losing a significant amount of money, to make the business work and retain it for the community.  With sadness, Councillor Kay moved the recommendation to approve the application.

 

Councillor Clare confirmed that it was a common sight when passing through communities to see closed down, dilapidated buildings.  He considered that converting this property to a residence was more preferable than becoming a blot on the landscape, and therefore seconded the recommendation to approve.

 

Resolved:

 

That the recommendation as outlined in the report be approved.

 

 

 

 

 

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