Council planners agree to defer decision on re-opening of Brigsteer pub (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Council planners agree to defer decision on re-opening of Brigsteer pub

3:16pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Anna Clarke, Reporter

COUNCIL planners have been unable to make a decision over proposals that could cause ‘great friction’ within a small South Lakes village.

Members of South Lakeland District Council’s planning committee agreed to defer a decision on proposals for the re-opening and extension of the Wheatsheaf Inn, Brigsteer, after debating but failing to reach a decision at a meeting on Tuesday.

The planners heard that the pub has been closed for some time and several residents are keen to see it re-open.

But concerns were also raised about noise from the pub’s proposed ‘garden room’.

Car parking was also cited as an issue, with just 13 spaces available.

Local resident, Richard Frank, whose property backs onto the pub’s land, explained his concerns over noise and loss of privacy if the garden room is given the go-ahead.

He told the committee: “In the words of my 10-year-old son: ‘why are they going to wreck our home?’”

The plans have been submitted by Individual Inns, who also own the Mason’s Arms at Strawberry Bank.

Architect, Duncan Isherwood, who has worked with Individual Inns on the plans, said: “The pub has been shut for some time now.

“It has been given support by many local people to bring it back into use as a public house.

“The applicant would like it to be known that they do wish to work with the village on this.”

He also revealed that a fence would be installed to protect the privacy of Mr Frank and his family.

But planners failed to reach a decision, admitting they had ‘made a dog’s dinner’ of discussions.

Councillor Bharath Rajan said: “My own view is that this garden room is going to be a real bone of contention unless we reach an amicable solution with the parties concerned.

“It could be a source of great friction.”

Coun Sylvia Emmott moved to defer the matter while the parties concerned work to find a solution. She was supported by her colleagues.