Concerns raised as plan to convert rural pub into five-bedroom house reignited
By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 8th Mar 2025
Plans to turn a rural pub into a house have been reignited.
Sajid Hussain has applied for a change of use to convert the Stanley Arms near Macclesfield Forest into a dwelling.
Peak District National Park Authority already rejected these plans, which included proposals for a two-storey extension, in October 2024.
Despite this, the applicant built the extension anyways and has now resubmitted a request for change of use.
Councillor Chris O'Leary is among those to oppose the fresh application.
He said: "My concern is both about this specific application, but also the wider loss of pubs across rural Cheshire.
"In the six years I have lived in Wildboarclough, we have lost so many pubs - most recently the Ship Inn in Wincle, Stanley Arms, the Cragg Inn, the Wild Boar, the Sutton Gamekeeper, and the Knight's Table.
"Obviously there is a national issue with closure of pubs, but we seem particularly badly off here in the Cheshire Peaks.
"Pubs play an important role in rural communities, as social spaces, as community hubs, and as part of the tourism industry."
Councillor O'Leary added: "I also have specific concerns about this particular application.
"The application was previously refused and the owners then immediately began converting it and building an extension without permission.
"Now they are seeking retrospective permission.
"Their 'business case' submitted with their application for justifying closing this pub just doesn't stack up and is not plausible.
"I am worried about the overdevelopment of this site, as well as the loss of this important local pub."
The latest application was registered on February 12, 2025.
According to a planning statement, the property was purchased by the applicant in January 2024 with the aim of turning it into a 'destination dining' venue.
However, it was ultimately concluded that such plans were 'unviable' due to the pub's 'location, limited seating, and the level of renovation required.
Mahmood Esmail, from Esmail Architects, said: "Prior to submitting the planning application, the applicant marketed the pub as a dining destination over several months.
"However, there was a lack of interest due to its rural location away from passing traffic, the historic layout and renovation costs.
"Furthermore, the previous decisions of two commercial public house operators to sell the Stanley Arms suggest that it had not been operating at a suitable profit level.
"The lack of demand for the continued operation of the public house led to the decision to apply to change the use of the main property to residential.
"This will ensure that a vacant traditional building is brought back into use together with the adjoining holiday let accommodation."
The application, NP/CEC/0225/0109, can be viewed on the Peak District National Park planning portal.
The public consultation closes on Monday, March 17.
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