Historic Rugeley pub saved from demolition
An historic former pub in a Staffordshire village has been saved from demolition after councillors turned down plans to knock it down.
Under controversial plans, the former Talbot Inn in Brereton, near Rugeley which was built in the mid 18th century, was to be demolished for new headquarters for mental health service Midlands Psychology.
But Cannock Chase Council refused the application after residents opposed the demolition of the historic building in Main Road, which was built around 1750.
Residents claimed the new development would be an ‘eyesore’ as well as stating they felt it would be ‘far too tall and dominant’.
The planning decision notice said: ‘In this instance it is considered that the socio-economic and environmental benefits of the proposals do not outweigh the harm to the designated heritage assets.’
Sympathy
Cannock Chase councillor Darren Foley said: “I received several calls and messages from residents, concerned at what they saw as the possible demolition of one of the area’s iconic buildings.
“Whilst I have some sympathy for the current owners situation, I feel that as custodians of such an historic building, they also have a responsibility to protect and preserve its identity.
“If this application had been approved I fear that it would have sent a message to potential developers that we do not care about our old buildings.
“The parish councillors and district councillors, along with many residents were all opposed to the demolition and I am glad that the decision was made.”
Midlands Psychology purchased the site in 2015 and were initially going to retain the building but it was deemed impossible because the existing original walls and floors would need rebuilding and replacing.
In early consultations, many residents did not oppose the demolition of the building because they acknowledged that it is in a bad state of repair and had been so for some time.
It is thought to have been built around 1795 and records show it became a public house around 1834.
In 2008, the pub was set to be de-licensed and possibly sold for housing but it was renovated for £180,000 and reopened as the The New Talbot in 2009.
It closed again in 2011 and opened as a children’s nursery, called Academy Early Years Childcare, the following year.
