Future of derelict and vandalised Nottinghamshire pub decided after two-year wait

A derelict Nottinghamshire pub that has been targeted by vandals will be knocked down after an important decision was made over its future. Plans to demolish the former Foresters Arms on Shrewsbury Road in Worksop and replace it with housing have been approved by Bassetlaw District Council.

Proposals to build eight semi-detached homes and a block of six town houses at the site of the pub and a nearby bookies were first submitted to the council in 2022, but had to be changed before being approved by planning officers. The boozer had been vacant for a long time, planning documents explained, and had been seriously damaged by fires, leaking water, and vandalism.

While a neighbour expressed concerns that the destruction of the 1940s building would result in a loss of history, the district council's conservation officer said it was not a "particularly great example" of a 20th century pub when compared to others in the area. The council expert explained the property had limited historical importance and warned its chimney and roof seemed unsafe.

If not knocked down, the building would have to be substantially rebuilt to fix these issues, they added. The decision to approve its demolition took around two years due to the scheme's layout and access being changed at the request of highways authority Nottinghamshire County Council.

The height of the semi-detached homes was also lowered during the planning process. The owners of the site, Katie Ellis and John Foster, will have to pay £10,200 towards bus stop improvements, £8,456 towards open spaces, manage and maintain drainage, and make 15 per cent of the development affordable housing.

A council report, which outlined the reasons for approving the project, said: "The benefits of the proposed development would be the creation of 14 new dwellings, 15 per cent affordable housing, bus stop enhancements, open space contributions and the redevelopment of a derelict building and an vandalised site.

"The negatives in this instance would be the loss of a community facility and the provision of substandard private garden areas for the new residents. Having regards to benefits outlined above, and the scale and form of the development, it is considered that these when considered cumulatively outweigh any identified harm and as such, the proposal would constitute sustainable development."