'Stafford does not need one-bedroom flats': Plans to convert former pub rejected
Plans to turn a former town centre pub into flats for vulnerable young adults have been rejected by Stafford Borough Council.
The former Theatre Bar, in Eastgate Street, would have been extended and converted to form 15 one-bedroom apartments, a rest room and staff accommodation.
But the impact of the proposed works on the 19th century building sparked concerns for council officers who have refused planning permission.
The decision notice, issued this month, stated: “The proposed development, by reason of the introduction of an incongruous, disproportionate, and overly over dominant addition to the host building, would result in harm to a historic building which makes a positive contribution to the significance of the Stafford Conservation Area.
“The harm to the heritage asset would be compounded by the introduction of the balcony and external staircase and the design and proportions of the proposed openings which would be wholly out of keeping with the character and appearance of the building and the Conservation Area.”
Planning permission was granted last year to transform the Theatre Bar into 10 flats. The building is located opposite the Grade II Listed Gatehouse Theatre.
A statement submitted to Stafford Borough Council as part of the application said: “After being unviable as a public house for some time, permission was granted for the conversion and extension of the public house into 10 flats. This planning permission has not been fully implemented, however work was commenced by the previous owner of the building.”
The statement added that it was intended for the building to be owned by the developer and leased to a housing association with an established track record in assisting living provision.
Stafford Borough Council received four objections to the proposals. Concerns included over-intensification of the site and potential noise and disturbance.
One objector said: “Though in principle we do not object to the conversion of the upper floors to residential accommodation, we feel strongly that this area of Stafford should remain in commercial use as it is one of the main thoroughfares from the Market Square and High Street to one of Stafford’s larger car parks and bus station.
“Unfortunately developments like this, which are purely residential accommodation, will fragment the commercial areas of Stafford, making them significantly less appealing to potential new businesses. This in turn will lead to a further demise in the commercial viability of this area and ultimately the town centre, which would be disappointing given that the council has successfully applied for funding to the tune of £20m to try to re-invigorate the High Street/ town centre.”
Another said: “The original application was the right type and blend of housing, it brought life back to the old bar and genuinely innovative housing solutions to Stafford.
“Stafford needs a range of development in the town centre to recover after the pandemic, these need to be the right mix in order to stimulate and grow the local economy. There are currently concerns in the town centre about late-night vagrancy and low-level crime which has increased.
“As a resident of this ward, and also a regular user of the Shrewsbury Arms pub and other local businesses, I have a grave concern that this type of accommodation is not right for this building or this part of town.
“Stafford does not need one-bedroom flats, it needs accommodation which will bring in families. This may well be social housing, but the important thing is Stafford town centre should not become a cheap place to put cheap housing which will not improve the economic performance of the town.”
