Pub ordered to remove fence and awning
AN HISTORIC pub in Sheffield's green belt has been ordered to take down a fence and an awning because they were put up without planning permission.
Despite pleas from pub bosses for a 'stay of execution,' planning bosses have told the owners of the Norfolk Arms on Ringinglow Road they must take both down.
The pub is a listed building and one of the first things people see when coming into Sheffield from the Peak District.
It reopened last year after being completely refurbished and converted into a hotel with 14 bedrooms.
But locals were furious when pub bosses fenced off a field at the back of the building and put up a large awning up over a terrace.
Planning officers said both would have needed planning permission.
And because the building was listed and in the green belt it was unlikely either would be granted.
A report says the awning "detracts from the character and appearance of the listed building."
Sheffield Council's city centre planning board voted to impose an enforcement notice making the pub's owners take both down.
Nigel Sharp, who took over the pub four years ago, asked for a 'stay of execution' because the pub had several weddings booked.
He said couples would want to use the awning if it rained.
But planning officer Chris Heeley said pub bosses had known since the New Year that it had to go.
Mr Sharp told the meeting: "The fence was put up 12 months ago because we wanted to keep customers safe and to stop children from straying onto the rear field. The field has always been used for things like Bonfire Night.
"We are hoping to improve the amenity with trees and shrubs."
He said the awning was put up after the pub was given 'bad advice' from the awning's manufacturer, who said planning permission was not needed.
Local people are now fighting to have the field at the back declared a village green, which would protect their rights of access. A decision will be taken later in the year.
Voting for the enforcement action, Coun John Hesketh said: "This is an important site and it deserves to be protected."
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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