Retrospective plans for a Nottinghamshire pub’s beer garden have been rejected following concerns developers are “playing fast and loose” with local planning rules.
The Old Volunteer – known as the Old Vol – in Caythorpe, which is run by the Reddington Pub Company, has been seeking back-dated planning permission for its beer garden, children’s play area and miniature village, and a car park.
The beer garden is currently subject to planning enforcement because permission was not first granted.
Director of the pub company, Sean Reddington, has been further seeking permission for a new glazed structure in the beer garden.
However the plans, discussed at a Newark and Sherwood District Council Planning Committee meeting on Thursday (May 8), were unanimously rejected.
While the authority says Mr Reddington worked positively to solve problems relating to parking and the impact on the Green Belt, flooding concerns remain.
George Machin, the agent representing the applicant, echoed previous comments from Mr Reddington that without the beer garden the pub would operate at a loss, and may be forced to close.
Around 90 people work at the business, and the plans would have created a further 15 jobs.
Mr Machin argued the impacts on business and employment outweigh the limited harm to Green Belt, and it was further suggested £20,000 be donated to the Lowdham Flood Action Group.
“While the Environment Agency has raised concerns, I respectfully ask the committee,” Mr Machin said.
“Both the applicant and local residents both confirm this site has never experienced flooding.
“The application has attracted 190 letters of support which is powerful testament to the value this venue brings.
“The beer garden’s position is well contained and discreet. The report makes clear that without the beer garden the business would operate at a loss, would not be financially viable and would be forced to close.”
However the justification failed to persuade those opposed to the retrospective and newly submitted plans, which also had 42 objections.
Ivan Kerry, chair of Caythorpe Parish Council, said there had been events in the past, including a 10-hour outdoor party, during which noise levels were “intrusive”.
He added: “We remain open to discussions regarding a fair and comprehensive compromise, and we truly believe one can be found.”
Cllr Keith Melton (Lib Dem) said: “I am concerned about the Green Belt issue.
“I am also concerned about this being retrospective. I am troubled by the number of retrospective applications that come to us, it seems to be prevalent that we are getting people playing fast and loose with the rules, hoping to get away with it.”
Cllr Andy Freeman (Lab), chair of the committee, added: “It would have been far better if there had been a process and a project plan, and then there wouldn’t be the danger of people losing their jobs if we turned this down.
“It is not a really nice position for the planning committee to be put in, when we would naturally look at supporting businesses like this. But we are not going to be bludgeoned into supporting this in the way that has been approached.
“Sometimes retrospective planning applications are genuine, sometimes they are not. Very often they are not.”
The committee suggested the applicant return with a better compromise, before rejecting the plans.
Mr Reddington has been contacted for further comment.
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