Residents '˜outraged' over plans to turn historic Sheffield shop into pub

Residents in Ecclesfield say they are outraged over proposals for a new pub in a residential area. Photograph by Dan Hobson

Many people living on Cross Hill, in Ecclesfield, signed a petition and sent letters of objection after an application was submitted to change a former carpet shop into a micro pub.

But residents found their concerns had fallen on deaf ears – as an alcohol licence was granted by Sheffield Council.

A formal planning application has now been submitted and residents are urging people to voice their concerns.

Resident Yvonne Ridgeway, aged 39, said: “There are so many pubs in Ecclesfield that are either struggling or are closed and boarded up now.

“We don’t need a brand new pub – especially not one that is right in the middle of houses.

“We are concerned that once the licence has been granted it will be a lot easier for the owner to apply for later opening hours, or a music licence.”

Frank Cooper, 73, said: “No matter how well it is managed, whenever there is drink involved there will be bad behaviour.

“You can’t have that near family homes.”

James Kay, 56, said he believed Ecclesfield pubs such as The Greyhound, The Black Bull, The Stocks and The Travellers are ‘struggling’.

He said The Ball and The Pheasant are ‘empty and boarded up’.

Yvonne added: “This is a close-knit community and the vast majority of the residents have lived here many years. There are residential properties immediately adjacent to the proposed pub, as well as directly overlooking it.

“We are wanting to get the message out that, while the alcohol licence has been granted, the planning application to change the use of this building into a micro pub is still active and people are able to leave their comments.”

Coun Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure at Sheffield Council, said: “There’s still time to comment on this application but I urge people to get in touch as soon as possible to make sure their comments are taken in to account.

“As part of our assessment we will consider all representations, made on planning grounds, before any decision is made.”