Sheffield pubs: Row over 'trashed' pubs being altered without permission
Worried pubs campaigners have called on Sheffield Council to act, amid claims that pubs have been ‘trashed’ without planning permission.
Campaign for Real Ale says it is ‘very concerned’ by what it describes as the increasing number of retrospective planning applications which have been submitted to Sheffield Council by developers wanting to convert pubs.
These are applications when work has already been done without planning permission which should have been put in place beforehand.
They have cited recent examples in the city as including the Big Gun, the Highcliffe Club, the Royal Oak (Mosborough) and the Royal Standard.
The organisation said in a statement: “Two of these examples have involved closing the pub, trashing the interior and, later, applying for retrospective planning permission.
“The law is clear: to change the use of a building (‘a material change of use’) from that of a pub requires planning permission.”
The application for the Big Gun was recently approved, allowing it to be converted into shops.
They added: “On expiry of the lease, this pub closed in September 2023: the historic interior was gutted and, over two years later, planning permission has been obtained.
“At the time of closure, the Big Gun had many historical features. For example, the right-hand side of the snug had two bays of unique Victorian fixed seating with decorative bench ends that resembled a (acanthus) leaf. This heritage is lost forever.”
When they approved the planning permission, Sheffield Council stated the plans for the building were acceptable in terms of its principle with at least six other community facilities or pubs within 800m walking distance of the site. They also said its design was acceptable, and it would not create any adverse highway issues.
Campaign for Pubs had opposed the plans, stating: “The Big Gun is an unspoilt traditional public house which has been serving customers for over 200 years. It is the only remaining pub serving the Wicker area.”
CAMRA remains unhappy, and added: “For this, and other, retrospective applications, we would expect a rigorous reaction from the planning authorities: a response which makes it clear that this is a serious breach of the law, not a simple administrative error; a response which clearly references Sheffield as one of the best beer cities in the world, a city which cares about its pubs!”
The Royal Standard is the subject of a retrospective planning application after it was converted into a fast food venue.
When it filed its retrospective planning application last month, Dave Pickersgill, pub heritage officer, at Sheffield & District CAMRA raised concerns.
He told The Star: “We are very concerned by the increasing number of retrospective planning applications for change of use from a pub which are submitted to Sheffield City Council.
“For these applications, we would appreciate a rigorous reaction from Planning, a response which makes it clear that this is a serious breach of the law, not a simple administrative process, a response which clearly references the place of Sheffield as one of the best beer cities in the world.”
The Royal Oak, in Mosborough, was demolished without planning permission in 2021, with retrospective planning permission granted for the demolition of the pub and the construction of three new shopping units in its place subsequently.
Councillor Ben Miskell, chairman of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Pubs and working men’s clubs are a vital part of our shared heritage and community life, and every effort needs to be made to keep them open for the benefit of the community they serve.
“In the incredibly unfortunate event of one closing, it is vitally important that the new owners follow the correct process when planning permission is required, breaking planning rules will lead to the council taking a robust approach and use all the powers available to us.
“We also work closely with residents across the city to protect valued community buildings from village shops and community centres to local pubs - including by registering them as Assets of Community Value. Developers must respect Sheffield’s heritage, including the importance of our public houses.”