Planning application signals last orders for pub

The Last Orders pub in Park Street, Wombwell, previously called The Ship, has been closed for some time and Barnsley Council is being asked to approve a proposal which would see the internal space on the ground, first and second floors reconfigured as accommodation.

There is access to the building from both Park Street and Gower Street, with an external staircase to the first floor from a rear yard.

Documents submitted as part of the planning application describe the building as 'imposing', with no previous planning applications.

However, officials are told that the premises as a pub are 'no longer viable, there is a realistic risk that without a positive intervention the premises could become a long term vacancy adding blight to the local area.'

Part of the pub was used previously for the tenant's accommodation and, planners are told, Park Street is not a principal shopping street so there is no '˜frontage policy' in operation.

The proposal, it is argued, creates a 'viable opportunity to secure its long-term stewardship which would benefit the local environment and that of nearby residents who could otherwise be faced with a rundown derelict site.

'The change of use of the premises would allow for the sustainable and efficient use of the existing property without the need for new construction.

'This has a positive impact on the surrounding community and neighbouring residents.

'The property lends itself to conversion without the need for extension or significant alteration, the proposals would be compatible with the established residential environment of the locality, with the scale of occupation being commensurate to a town centre location which supports higher density development.'

A decision on whether to approve the changes will be made later.