Royal Hotel: Objections lodged at plans for historic Dungworth pub to be turned into accommodation
A 200-year-old Sheffield pub is at risk, with plans to convert it into accommodation - causing upset among local residents.
Applications were put forward to Sheffield City Council last month to convert The Royal Hotel, in Dungworth, near Bradfield, into two dwellings.
The owners, who’ve managed the business for 25 years, argue that the pub is no longer viable, with turnover so low they have been unable to pay themselves a minimum wage.
The pub stopped trading last year.
The proposals would see the pub, which has functioned as a community hub since 1812, turned into a one-bedroom accessible bungalow and a three-bedroom flat with basement storage area.
No extensions have been proposed, and only minimal work would be carried out on the exterior, with the majority of changes being implemented in the B&B rooms and pub space.
The application has received pushback from the community, with 24 objections sent into the council.
Commenters have brought up the pub’s community value, describing it as vital in hosting social events like carol singing and folk nights.
They also fear closing the pub would be detrimental to the area’s growing tourist economy.
Dave Pickersgill, pub heritage officer at Sheffield CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), said: “The permanent loss of this culturally significant and historic pub would have a profound and detrimental impact on the local community and beyond.
“The Royal Hotel has served as an essential community hub since 1813, providing a space for social interaction, local traditions and live music.
“Most significantly, it is one of the key venues for the Sheffield Christmas Carols, a centuries-old folk tradition that draws visitors from across the country, and beyond.
“The loss of the pub would diminish this deeply rooted cultural event, which has been widely recognised as a unique and important aspect of British heritage.
“As well as being the social hub of the village, the pub hosts folk nights, tune sessions, and social gatherings, all of which contribute to the community's cultural vibrancy.
“While some of these events have recently relocated to the Village Hall, this space is not a long-term solution: the historic and atmospheric setting of the Royal is integral to their character and success.”
Dave has also highlighted viability concerns, raising attention to CAMRA’s ‘Public House Viability Test’ with suggestions on how to increase trading.
He added: “The area has a potentially wide, growing and affluent potential customer base who regularly visit the surrounding countryside for recreation.
“For example, Dungworth is peppered with walking trails and is on the doorstep of the Peak National Park: the pub is a welcome sight for those seeking refreshments and a rest whilst out hiking for the day.
“The pub recently has had a limited food offering and an unimaginative drinks selection - in addition, the beer garden is both overgrown and underused.
“With a proactive approach, including food service, better drinks selection, and effective marketing, we believe that the Royal could easily become a sustainable business.
“We believe that there has been no genuine effort to explore its continued viability as a public house, nor any attempt to market it as such.
“Given the strong interest in maintaining the Royal, granting permission for conversion at this stage would be premature.”
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