‘Pubs need our help to survive’: Sheffield Council approves Spitfire revamp

The planning and highways committee agreed to the developments at the pub at Mickley Lane, in Totley, with a new wood pergola, outdoor heaters, lighting, paint, welcome sign, soft landscaping and repairs to the windows and fencing.

The application form stated the number of staff would double from 10 full-time equivalent roles to 20.

Councillor Peter Price, member of the committee, said: “I fully support the officer’s recommendation. I think it’s quite a nice, attractive development for that pub.

“I just think pubs these days need every bit of help they can get to survive. It’s a nice attraction and it’ll serve the customers better.

“Compared to many other pubs, I think it’s a very good development.”

Original plans also included a big TV with speakers but the council said this would have been unacceptably loud and disturbing to neighbours.

Council officers said the design was of good quality and would allow use all year round in a report ahead of the meeting.

They added: “No direct impact on biodiversity will occur as a result of the development. Any impact is indirect and where practicable has been managed with timers, lower lighting levels and a requirement for a noise management plan.

“The size and scale is appropriate in design terms, and while it has been acknowledged the development may increase usage, the potential noise levels are not considered to be detrimental to living conditions of neighbours.”

There were 16 comments from members of the public on the plans including from the Friends of Gillfield Wood, all objecting.

Concerns were raised about it having a negative effect on biodiversity, noise disturbance and privacy.

One resident, who lives on Green Oak Road, said: “This pub already creates a considerable amount of noise, year round.

“The main source of noise in the winter is from people generally using the external areas. In the summer months noise levels escalate to cause even further disturbance almost daily as it seems the pub opens all doors and windows and therefore the music and activities from inside can also be clearly heard from both my garden and inside my property.”