A NEW HOUSING development proposed for Paull and the subject of a planning application has generated strong opposition. The proposed demolition of the Crown Inn has proved a sticking point.
The application seeks to build a set of “high-quality, striking buildings” with no habitable accommodation at the ground floor level. This raised design approach would “overcome flood risk issues” states the application. It would “add value and vitality to the Paull river frontage and Main Street,” it says.
The 2,700 square metre site comprises the main pub building, an associated area of hard standing to the east, and the large ‘beer garden’. The demolition of the pub is a prerequisite of the plan.
The East Riding of Yorkshire Council Conservation Officer has “strongly objected” to the proposal. Mr Stephen Walker, states on the Planning Access portal:
“Having reviewed the application it is considered that the submission is flawed in its content and the proposal would amount to a substantial degree of harm to the significance of the Paull Conservation Area.
“A fundamental omission is that no assessment is made of the Crown Inn to the significance of the Conservation Area. Consequentially no clear and convincing justification is provided for the demolition of the building”
The Pubs Protection Officer of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has also objected: “The building itself is over 150 years old and has been a public house for most if not all of that time serving the village of Paull and surrounding area. While currently closed that does not mean it could not once again serve that vital service to a semi-rural community.
“The applicant claims that the pub ‘is currently closed and is unlikely to reopen after the pandemic ceases’. While this may be the opinion of the applicant they have provided no evidence to support the claim.
“Regarding the demolition of the pub, the applicant states its loss would not be a detriment to the community as there are two other pubs in the village. While this is undoubtedly the case at present at least one of those pubs is currently up for sale and could easily become the victim of a future demolition or conversion proposal.”
Historic England objects too: “Paull is a small historic village with a tight urban framework, punctuated by important historic focal point buildings, including the Crown Inn. The Crown Inn lies is located in the heart of Paull Conservation Area. The proposal to demolish the Crown Inn and erect 10 dwellings would cause harm to the Crown Inn, the character and appearance of the conservation area, and the setting of surrounding listed and historic buildings.
“The total loss of this historic building that contributes positively to the character and appearance of the conservation area, and the setting of nearby listed buildings, would go against the objectives of your development management guidance document the Paull Conservation Area Character Appraisal (PCACA) (adopted July 2006), national and local planning policies. We therefore object to this application on heritage grounds.”
Paull Parish Council says it does not support the demolition of the pub: “We do not support the planning application in its present format. We do not support the demolition of the 170 years old Crown Inn. It is part of the village heritage. We would like to see it refurbished, and if not used as a public house, used as housing, with an assurance that it will not be left to fall into disrepair.”
The Agents for the applicant in their Design, Access and Heritage statement, says a key aim, is to “ensure that the character and appearance of this part of the Paull Conservation Area not harmed.”
It states: “Demolishing the public house is not considered inappropriate as it adds little to the built form of the area and it would not harm the character and appearance of this part of the Conservation Area.” And later: “There are still 2 public houses in Paull so the loss of The Crown will not remove the only public house in the village.” And later still: “The application site is located at the southern end of Main Street and provides an opportunity to provide something that is a focal point in the village. The village hall which is located at the southern end of the site has modern elements and the proposed development forms a continuation of this style.”
Find out more about the planning application at the East Riding Public Access website and search for reference: 21/00581/PLF.
