'Error' halts eyesore pub's demolition

The demolition of a derelict Leicestershire pub has been halted after it emerged the correct permission had not been granted to the council.

North West Leicestershire District Council owns the site and said legislation surrounding the demolition of pubs differs from other buildings, leading to "an error" in its approved application for The Oak in Whitwick.

But the council believes obtaining permission to pull down the vacant pub will be “a formality”.

The authority added its long-term ambition to redevelop the site in Talbot Street as council housing remained.

In its now defunct notice to clear the Talbot Street site, documents stated the “long-term vacancy” of the former watering hole was “causing health and safety concerns” and creating a “public eyesore”.

Neighbours told the Local Democracy Reporting Service they were informed the works were “pushed back to an indeterminate date”.

Residents previously claimed The Oak site was causing issues with squatters, weeds and pests.

Planning permission had previously been approved for eight new ‘affordable’ homes on the site in October 2021.

The council said in the subsequent demolition notice that the approved plan was to be “amended”.

Andy Barton, strategic director of communities, said: “Unfortunately we discovered an error in the planning application we made which related to specific legislation around the demolition of pubs.

“Applications for prior approval for demolition do not allow for demolition of any pubs, which have to be treated differently to other buildings.

“Therefore we were unable to continue with that application and had to withdraw it whilst we prepare a new full planning application.

“This is a planning formality and our intention for the site hasn’t changed, and we will continue to work to bring the redevelopment forward.”

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