Pub set for demolition

A pub is set to be demolished and replaced with shops following an unsuccessful battle to save it.

The Sawmill, on Beacon Hill Road, Newark, was initially saved from demolition last year after a petition attracted more than 600 signatures.

Marston’s Estates Ltd applied again to Newark and Sherwood District Council to knock down the pub and replace it with two retail units and a carpark.

It was granted permission at a planning committee meeting on Tuesday.

Marston’s Brewery, which operates the pub, wants to close The Sawmill because it said it was no longer viable and was surplus to requirements.

Under the proposal, the shops would be open from 7am to 11pm daily, and deliveries would be taken from 7am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 6pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Councillors agreed 10pm would be a more appropriate closing time and the plan was approved with that amendment.

Mr Johno Lee, who represents Balderton North and Coddington, said he was the lone voice fighting for the retail proposal last time it was considered.

He said the proposal would provide retail units within walking distance of Coddington, however, most people would drive to them.

“Fewer people are drinking in the last ten years and we are seeing more applications for spas and gyms,” he said.

“It is not the culture any more that people go out and drink.”

Opened in 1981

Mr Lee said Coddington was lucky to have two pubs, The Inn On The Green and The Plough.

The Sawmill, which opened in 1981, was listed as an asset of community value (ACV) in May last year, which triggered a six-month ban on its sale.

That was designed to allow any interested community groups time to raise enough money to bid for the pub, but no group came forward.

Marston’s said it was not approached with any proposal or offer via the ACV process.

Newark Town Council, which initially opposed the demolition, supported the new proposal.

Town councillor Mr Bob Crowe, also a member of the district council’s planning committee, moved the proposal to support the application.

He said: “Other premises in this area stay open until 10pm or 10.30pm and I don’t see any reason why this shouldn’t open until 10pm.”

Mrs Maureen Dobson, who represents Collingham, asked why the site hadn’t been considered for housing.

Mrs Celia Brooks, who represents Edwinstowe and Clipstone, said the scheme was an improvement on the last one because it had a pitched roof rather than a sloped one.