A planning application has been submitted to demolish the Royal Oak Inn on Sheffield Road in Glossop. High Peak MP Robert Largan spoke in Parliament to call for greater protections for historic pubs and to oppose the planning application.
The plan would demolish the 200-year-old pub and replace it with 6 residential units.
Robert Largan MP raised this planning application in Parliament, asking:
“The Royal Oak Inn, just up the road from my home in Glossop, is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. It was built in 1818 and first opened its doors in 1821, serving thirsty travellers heading over the Snake Pass between Manchester and Sheffield. It is a lovely pub and I have enjoyed drinking in it on a number of occasions, and it used to be run by my good friends George and Jean Wharmby. Instead of people being able properly to celebrate the pub’s 200th anniversary, its future has been cast into doubt, as a planning application has just been submitted for the pub’s demolition. May we have a debate on how we can reform our planning laws to strengthen protections for historic pubs such as the Royal Oak?”
The Leader of the House, expressing sympathy for these concerns, responded:
“I sympathise with my hon. Friend: we want planning applications to appreciate and understand local heritage and culture. A listing scheme is in place to try to protect buildings, and means of buying community assets have been in place for some years now, but we need new homes as well. It is about trying to get the right balance in the planning system to protect what needs to be protected but to develop where development is needed. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has been doing an excellent job in engaging with Members of Parliament and listening to and understanding their concerns about planning, but we have this balance to achieve.”
People can see the full details of the planning application and submit their views here:
http://planning.highpeak.gov.uk/portal/servlets/PlanningComments?REFNO=HPK/2021/0301
Robert Largan MP commented:
“I am really very concerned about this potential loss of an historic pub, and decided to raise the issue in Parliament.
“As we enjoy the football with friends and family in pubs across High Peak, we are again seeing how pubs are vital hubs of activity for our local communities. These places bind together generations of people in High Peak and need our protection.
“I am encouraging local people to make their voices heard, and submit their views to the Borough Council so we can help save the Royal Oak Inn.”
