A County Durham community is rallying to help save a ‘lifeline’ pub after a planning application was submitted to partially demolish it.
The Horse and Groom public house in Castleside, Consett, has played a pivotal role in the community for over a hundred years, but an application submitted to Durham County Council by EdgePlan intends for a change of use of the site.
It would entail a partial demolition of the Horse and Groom – which is owned by Admiral Taverns – while retaining part of the existing building to be converted into three two-bedroom houses.
The pub is asking for as many people as possible to object to this proposal to help save its uncertain future. Posting on their Facebook Page, The Horse and Groom said the pub is a “pivotal part of the community”.
It added: “Letters were sent to 34 properties in the area, with guidance on how to object.
“If this application goes ahead it means the loss of a community space for those that live in the area, it’s a loss of a piece of the history in Castleside, it’s a loss of local jobs, not just for the staff in the venue, but also to the bands and acts that are frequently employed on the social calendar.”
“We really hope that the community rallies together and submits objections to the proposed loss of this community amenity.”
The Horse & Groom in Castleside, County Durham is at risk of being demolished
(Image: ChronicleLive)
A planning statement outlining the application by EdgePlan states: “Seeking to change the use of the Horse and Groom public house to 3No. dwellings, together with the demolition of a single storey side extension and erection of two storey extensions to the rear, associated parking and amenity space.”
“By utilising the existing building’s fabric and improving it through sensitive design, the proposed change of use would positively contribute to the character and appearance of the area.”
“The immediate area is characterised by residential development. As such the conversion of the existing building will integrate well with its surroundings and will enhance the residential appearance of the immediate and wide locality.”
However, Sophie Ellison, whose aunt has been the landlady for nearly eight years, explained how important the pub is to the local community. She said: “The Horse and Groom in Castleside was a public house before Consett and Castleside existed and it’s under threat to build houses.
“Originally called Lane Ends Inn, in cattle droving days it was a well known call house with its own blacksmith shop and brewery. The inn was kept by one family for 200 years, the last member of which retired when the war started in 1939.
“Over the years the village pub has become a community meeting place, a place where families have held christenings, birthdays, weddings and funerals. It’s somewhere that offers a safe space, somewhere that everyone is welcomed and treated like family.
“Many members of the village now live alone and the pub is a lifeline for them. Allowing the a social element to their life, keeping them in touch with others, and alleviating the loneliness. It would be damaging to so many people if we were to lose the pub that means so much to us all for houses to be built.
“In a time where there are 18 pubs in the UK closing every week, we really hope the community can rally behind us and keep the Horse and Groom alive.”
There are currently more than 100 responses expressing objection to the planning application on Durham County Council website. One resident who objected commented: “The Horse and Groom is a good place for locals to socialise and I think we should be trying to support local businesses not crush them.”
The Horse & Groom in Castleside, County Durham is at risk of being demolished
(Image: ChronicleLive)
Another said: “It has been my local pub for over 40 years and it is where I meet with my friends. It is also used by many local residents to meet up and relax. To close the pub in my opinion would be another nail in the coffin to close local facilities.”
The Horse and Groom will be conducting a public community meeting on Thursday, January 2 in the pub at 6.00pm in the hopes of putting a stop to the motion. They have until the January 8 to submit the paperwork.
Posting on Facebook they ended: “We hope you will come along and ask any questions you have and give support if needed in accessing the forms to object. If anyone can’t make it please feel free to message us.”