We have had official confirmation from Sainsbury's that they will not be appealing the planning decision – over to Enterprise now!
— The Plough Sandygate (ploughsandygate@gmail.com) (@PloughSandygate) February 13, 2017
In the Sheffield Telegraph, a spokeswoman for Sainsbury’s said: “Following the decision to refuse the planning application, we have reviewed our options and have decided not to proceed with an appeal. We will continue to look for further opportunities in the area.”
True North Brewery, the owners of several successful South Yorkshire pubs including The York in Broomhill, said in another Sheffield Telegraph article that they’d be interested in buying The Plough pub should it be put on the market.
The decision was unanimous and the reason given is:
In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the proposal to change the use of the public house (Use Class A4) to retail (Use Class A1) would involve the loss of a building that is considered to be a valued community asset, which before its recent closure supported community groups and activities catering for the social wellbeing and interests of a wide section of the local community, being designated an Asset of Community Value.
The public house is considered to be well regarded by the local community and there are no alternative premises within a reasonable travelling distance for many of the individuals who use the premises.
The Local Planning Authority is of the opinion that insufficient evidence has been provided by the applicant to demonstrate that the use of the building as a public house is unviable and incapable of continuing to be used as such for the foreseeable future.
To grant planning permission in this instance would therefore be contrary to Paragraph 70 of National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which seeks to guard against the unnecessary loss of valued facilities and services.
Around 50 members of the public were present at the meeting. Opinions were given both for and against granting planning permission.
Council planning officers had previously recommended that The Plough should be retained as a public house and community asset.
Sainsbury’s may appeal the decision – although we hope that as a responsible company they will respect the wishes of the local community and the decision made by the local authority
Enterprise Inns may leave the building empty and boarded up – however, we have already discussed with councillors the option of a compulsory purchase if the building is left in a state of disrepair
Enterprise could reopen the pub as a ‘managed house’ – although we doubt they would want to spend in excess of £100,000 to bring the buildng back into use
Enterprise could put the pub on the market – this would trigger a six month period during which the option of a community buy-out could be considered. Alternatively, another brewery or pub operator could come foward and buy the pub to run it is a going concern. We are aware that a number of local breweries/pub companies have expressed an interest in taking on the Plough.
The Save the Plough group has been coordinating the campaign to keep the building as a pub and save the sporting heritage of Sandygate. The group has raised several specific concerns over the proposals and is encouraging residents to give their views.
Some residents are also in support of the the idea of a convenience store opening in place of the pub.
Some residents are also in support of the the idea of a convenience store opening in place of the pub. If you have views either way then consider making them known to Sainsbury’s, Sheffield Planning Committee, our local MP and your councillors:
Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s is to submit a planning application to turn The Plough pub on Sandygate Road into a convenience store.
The people running The Plough, which is opposite the oldest football ground in the world, called last orders in April.
There had been speculation over the future of the pub for many months. Regulars launched a Save the Plough Facebook campaign and it was registered as an asset of community value, with the hope that a community ownership model could be explored.
Sainsbury’s are now leasing the property from Enterprise Inns and will submit planning applications to Sheffield City Council in the coming weeks to adapt the building.
We’ll post links to them as soon as we see it on the council website.
Williamson Hardware in Broomhill: will move next door to make way for Sainsbury’s
Broomhill institution Williamson Hardware will move into an adjacent unit to make way for a new Sainsbury’s supermarket.
The landlord of the unit gained planning permission to develop the site for a new occupier earlier this month and it has been confirmed that Sainsbury’s will take it on.
It is believed that Williamson will move into the smaller property next door which was until recently occupied by Blackwell’s bookshop.
A spokesperson from Sainsbury’s said: “The future of local traders is important to us, and we are pleased that Williamson, a long standing local trader, has agreed plans with their landlord to relocate to another adjacent unit on Fulwood Road.”
Williamson has been trading in Broomhill for 52 years.
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