Fury as 200-year-old pub at 'heart of village' to be turned into flats
A controversial project to transform a centuries-old pub into houses and flats is set to be approved, to the horror of its former patrons.
The Soldier Dick, in Furness Vale, Derbyshire, opened in 1804, with generations of people enjoying a drink at its Georgian bar. However, proposals are set to be agreed at a planning meeting later this month to extend the three-storey building and convert it into four flats, with two more houses on the land.
The pub was bought by the current owners in 2015 but was closed as a result of the impact of the pandemic on the economy.
The pub closed as a result of the pandemic (Getty Images/iStockphoto)The owners of the Soldier Dick told DerbyshireLive: “ We are aware of customers we have lost due to changed habits, relocation, illness and who have sadly deceased.
“We have traded for several months under no government restrictions and turnover has flatlined. Whilst historically performance has been better, we cannot live on previous memories and we have to address the current financial position and challenges."
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Despite being recommended for approval by a planning officer, the application has attracted negative attention from the public. Alan Chorlton, who has lived in Furness Vale for 75 years, said: "I feel great sadness at the possibility of the Soldier Dick being altered. The pub has always been at the heart of the village with historical stories linked to its past.
“I do not wish to see this pub turned into a housing complex."
Ruth Brace has lived in the village for 40 years and believes the pub was on a downward trajectory before the pandemic. She added: "The Soldier Dick is a landmark in the village of historic importance, we have so little left of the original character of the village. I beg you not to agree to these plans."
The Furness Vale Local History Society has also voiced concerns over the loss of local heritage if the pub is turned into housing. David Easton, acting secretary of the society, said: "The Soldier Dick is a historic pub with a unique name which reflects the legend of a lost soldier given succour when found lost on Whaley Moor in the 17th century.
"In closing the pub, we would lose this historical association. The Soldier Dick has played an important role in village life during the 217 years of its existence and it would be sad indeed if it were to close. Given its prominent location on the A6 road and at the heart of the village, we feel that further consideration should be given to making the pub viable before granting permission for its closure."
The plans have been recommended for approval subject to conditions. A final decision will be made on Wednesday, August 16, at the High Peak Borough Council Development Control Committee meeting.
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