Public inquiry will decide fate of Robin Hood Hotel

The fate of the Robin Hood Hotel will be decided at a public inquiry.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, has called-in the planning approval for the demolition of the derelict hotel in Newark.

The matter will now go to a full public inquiry.

Newark and Sherwood District Council granted permission for the Grade II-listed building, on Lombard Street, to be knocked down and replaced with retail units and a 66-bedroom Travelodge.

The application was referred to the National Planning Casework Unit, which decided to send it to Mr Javid for a decision.

The hotel, once one of Newark’s finest, closed in 1999 and has been empty since.

It was partially demolished in 2010 and three Grade II-listed 18th Century townhouses are all that remain.

It has been the centre of debate from those who feel it could be restored and those who feel it is an eyesore and should be knocked down and replaced.

Newark MP Mr Robert Jenrick, who asked Mr Javid to consider calling the application in, said: "The fate of the Robin Hood has been beyond parody.

"Public opinion is divided on how to sort it out, with many wanting it gone, but everyone agrees that this mess has despoiled the town for too long.

"I think this is the right decision by Sajid Javid as whichever way it goes, the chain of events that led us to the present situation will be aired in public, the arguments for demolition and for restoration will be heard by an independent expert and a decision will be made."