News

Pub boss hits out at ‘burdonsome regulation’ as council reviews unauthorised development

By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter

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The boss of a pub firm in Nottinghamshire says venues should not be held back by “burdensome regulation” as a council investigates a development at one of his premises in Gunthorpe.

Newark and Sherwood District Council says its enforcement team is currently reviewing work on the green belt to the rear of The Anchor Inn.

The pub, in Main Street, Gunthorpe, reopened after 16 years on May 2 this year.

Its refurbishment has been done by The Reddington Pub Company, which has also reopened the nearby Tom Browns riverside brasserie as part of a £2m project.

Pub company director Sean Reddington has, this month, been given retrospective permission for the reinstatement of the pub and restaurant, including its occasional use for weddings, events, and guest accommodation.

A rear link-building is yet to be completed, but has been allowed under the same planning consent, the council said.

However, additional development on green belt land at the rear of the property was not included in Mr Reddington’s planning application, and the council says its enforcement team is reviewing it.

A council spokesperson said: “We take breaches of planning very seriously.

“Enforcement action should, however, be proportionate to the breach of planning control to which it relates.

“If a planning issue is minor, technical, or doesn’t cause any real harm to the area or its surroundings, local planning authorities can instead consider a planning application the appropriate way forward, especially if conditions might need to be added to make the development acceptable.

“The ‘unauthorised development’ referred to is a separate case that was not included within the application and is currently being reviewed by the enforcement team.”

Mr Reddington told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the development to the rear of the pub is for sports and recreational use.

“We’re delighted to have secured planning permission for the transformation of The Anchor in Gunthorpe, and are now looking to bring new life to the land at the rear of the venue through open sport and recreation,” he said in a statement.

“We believe this will serve as a valuable asset to The Anchor by attracting a broader range of visitors, enhancing the overall experience of the venue, and supporting its long-term sustainability and vibrancy as a community hub.

“Our next planning application for the new sports and recreation facilities is in progress and will be submitted shortly. Importantly, we are pursuing this in the context of the Government’s clear new direction to support small business owners and hospitality venues. The recent pledge to protect ‘pavement pints’ and cut red tape for hospitality sends a powerful signal: local venues like The Anchor deserve flexibility and freedom to flourish, not burdensome regulation.

“The Government’s proposals to modernise licensing, make it easier for outdoor and al fresco hospitality, and streamline applications are keenly welcomed by operators and communities alike.”

Concerns had initially been raised about noise after the pub company sought a licence for late-night music and drinks earlier this year.

However, the licence was granted after the council decided the problems were largely addressed during a licensing hearing in April.

The approved plans for the pub received a number of positive responses from nearby residents.

Under the planning consent, the council says no more than two weddings or similar events in total shall take place at the site per calendar month, and amplifying equipment or other sound systems may only be used outdoors on the premises between 11am and 9pm.