Eastwood pub could be ordered to take down 'harmful' additions

A decision will soon be made on whether a Nottinghamshire pub will be ordered to take down the 'harmful' additions that have been attached to the historic building. The Old Wine Vaults on Church Street in Eastwood will likely be ordered to disassemble its smoking area and servery on Wednesday, November 6, if Broxtowe Borough Council's planning committee follows advice to refuse permission for the structure.

Council officers have told councillors that the pub should not be allowed to keep the shelter, as it could cause "substantial harm" to the grade-II listed structure. The boozer, which was built in the late 18th century and was put on Historic England's heritage register in 1987, is also within the Eastwood conservation area.

The council's conservation officer said the retention of the outside area would "fail to conserve or enhance" this protected zone. A report, which will be considered by the authority's planning committee, explained the pub's management had refused to remove smoking shelter, servery, and timber walkway when given the opportunity.

Four neighbours had opposed the pub's effort to retain permission for the shelter, citing the noise and smells generated by customers. Broxtowe Borough Council's environmental health department said it had no objections to the proposals, as long as conditions were put in place to restrict amplified music during certain hours.

Council officials acknowledged the marquee offered public benefits to punters and would be of economic benefit to the owners of the pub, but asked the committee to refuse permission for the rest of the outside features to stay. The council had initially refused permission for the shelter to be set up back in 2009, but had later allowed it to go ahead later that year.

In the report which will be considered by the planning committee, a planning officer concluded: "The marquee would offer some social and economic benefits to attract more patrons to use the public house. It is considered that there is clear and convincing justification for the retention of the marquee on this basis which would not amount to substantial harm to the grade II listed building or the conservation area.

"Notwithstanding this, there are significant concerns with regards to the impact of the smoking shelter, servery and walkway which would amount to substantial harm to the grade-II listed public house and would fail to conserve or enhance the Eastwood conservation area. On balance it is therefore considered that the proposal would warrant refusal."