Conversion of pub wins approval after all

The King William IV in Brompton on Swale, in Richmond, will be converted into a four-bedroom house after plans were passed this week following an appeal. Richmondshire District Council initially rejected the scheme last October as the authority believed it would lead to the loss of a valuable community facility.

But the decision was overruled by Government planning inspector Philip Asquith, who concluded there was no evidence to suggest the village would suffer as a result of the development.

In a report outlining his decision, Mr Asquith noted that the pub had been empty for five years and was showing signs of “deterioration and neglect”.

Mr Asquith said: “Occupying a prominent roadside position within the heart of the village, in its current state it does little to positively contribute to the appearance and character of what is a designated conservation area. The present proposal could ensure that the building was brought back into active use and care to the benefit of both the historic assets of the listed building and the Brompton on Swale Conservation Area.”

He also highlighted other community facilities in the village, including the nearby Crown Inn and other pubs which offer accommodation and food.

“Failure to maintain the public house function of the appeal premises would not therefore materially deprive the local community of a choice of eating, drinking or social venues,” said Mr Asquith.

He also sympathised with the Crown Inn’s licensee who expressed concerns over the impact on business if the pub reopened. Conditions imposed on the development include the provision of off-street parking to prevent congestion on the village’s main street and listed building consent.