Plans to demolish village pub for flats approved

Plans to demolish a 19th Century pub in Nottinghamshire to make way for flats have been given the go-ahead.

An application to build a new two-storey building consisting of 22 flats at The Peacock, in Main Street, Huthwaite, was approved by Ashfield District Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

Almost 160 residents objected to the proposals, many relating to the demolition of the building instead of its repurposing, and urged the council to "preserve our heritage".

The authority said the pub had several modern extensions and alterations, which had "impacted its historic significance".

The pub and hotel, which dates back to 1832, ceased operations in May 2024, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

In her objection letter, resident Marta Dobrzynska said: "Instead of demolition, we urge the council to explore avenues for restoration and repurposing.

"With thoughtful investment, The Peacock could once again become a vibrant asset to the community, perhaps as a re-envisioned pub, a community centre, or a heritage attraction. Once gone, it is gone forever.

"We have a responsibility to future generations to preserve our heritage, not to carelessly discard it for short-term gain.

"The demolition of The Peacock Pub would be a profound and regrettable loss for Huthwaite and a diminished legacy for British heritage."

Chairman of the council Paul Grafton, who represents Huthwaite and Brierley, objected to the proposals but agreed there was a need for housing.

"Everyone wants it to be a pub, but no-one was using it," he said. "No-one was willing to take it on as a tenant.

"I sympathise with how people feel.

"There is a real fear from people that this type of housing is being built for and will be used for housing illegal immigrants, but it is just the fear factor.

"There are a lot of people who cannot afford housing, and there are not many places for single people to rent out."

Developers Halsall Lloyd has agreed to a condition requiring a record to be produced of the building to Historic England standards, to maintain its records in the history books, the LDRS added.

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