Brewery drops plans to open pub and restaurant in former bank

An independent brewery has ditched a proposal to open a pub and restaurant at a former bank following opposition from those living and working nearby.

Blue Monkey Brewery had applied for permission to change the use of the former NatWest on Church Street, Southwell.

The plans were opposed by the town council, people living nearby and by seven other publicans who said there were already enough licensed premises in the town.

Blue Monkey withdrew its planning application for change of use this week.

Mr Mark Nelson, who lives above the former bank and had opposed the application, said he and his family were delighted.

He said: “I met with the brewery’s owner and he and I had a long conversation at which I expressed some of the personal concerns I had about the close proximity of our bedrooms and such-like to the building.

“When I had a chat with him he said he said he had no further interest in the building.

“It is commendable that they have communicated with us to reach this position and he has acted quite responsibly.

“I am glad it has been withdrawn because what it demonstrates is that either a restaurant or a bar in that building is not an appropriate use with the close proximity of us and the neighbours.”

'A big relief'

Neighbours had raised concerns over the potential impact of noise, fumes from the restaurant, anti-social behaviour and a lack of suitable vehicular access.

Rachel Thackray, who lives to the rear of the building, said: “It is good news that this application has been withdrawn.

“It is a big relief for residents living next to the site — the noise and disruption would have seriously affected our quality of life.

“There was a massive amount of opposition to this application to convert the former bank into a pub and beer garden from people who wrote to Newark and Sherwood District Council to lodge their concerns, and from organisations representing hundreds of people, including the civic society and Southwell Town Council.

“Many of the licensees in the town also objected.”

She said she was aware of only one letter of support being sent to the district council.

She said: "If Blue Monkey has decided to withdraw due to residents' concerns and local opposition, then credit is due to them for listening to the people."

Blue Monkey Brewery owner Mr Trevor Vickers said the main reason he had withdrawn the application was the effect it would have on neighbours.

"I can understand their objections and that is part of the reason I have withdrawn the application," he said.

"There's a lot of interest in it from people who want to do something similar to me."

Mr Vickers said he felt he was testing the water for other people who may be interested in the building when it went to auction.

"It's just one of those things - I thought what a great place it would be for a pub and restaurant," he said.

"It got a lot of opposition and a lot of support but the opposing side were more vociferous."