Home to be built close to historic former Hyde pub after refusal overturned

A NEW home will be built next to the site of a historic former Hyde pub after an appeal against the refusal of planning permission was successful.

Tameside Council turned down Dominic Bardsley’s application to construct a new L-shaped structure next to what was Godley Hall Inn.

Among the reasons for saying no were concerns it ‘would have a harmful impact upon the special architectural and historic interest of the designated heritage asset Godley Hall Inn.

‘The proposal would amount to substantial harm to a Grade-II listed building, with no public benefits identified.’

But an appeal to the planning Inspectorate has been successful in overturning the decision and the four-bedroomed property can now be built.

In a statement for the appeal, it states: “Whilst it is understood that the neighbouring property is Grade-II Listed, the surrounding area cannot be considered as having any historical merit and the site in which the listed building sits could be considered as a very unattractive, industrialised area.”

And after visiting the site in April, inspector Clive Coyne opted to reverse the call made in June last year, mainly as it would not alter what previously stood on what was the pub’s car park.

In his report, he states: “In terms of its scale, the proposal would not be much higher than Godley Hall and would be lower in height than the adjacent red-brick terrace which, according to the evidence, would reflect the height of the building that previously stood in the same location before it was demolished to make way for the car park.

“It would also project to the rear to a similar degree to the buildings that once stood there and would leave a similar L-shaped gap between the hall and itself, similar to what was there historically.

“While I note the point that the proposal’s width would broadly equate to the width of two of the adjacent terraced properties, it would not be wider overall than Godley Hall.

“But it would not be so large as to visually dominate it or its setting. Consequently, to my mind, the proposal would in essence restore the previous historic pattern of development and therefore it would visually compliment and contribute to the significance of Godley Hall and positively contribute to the character and appearance of the area overall.”

Mr Coyne also highlighted a lack of evidence to back up claims of an area of registered common land being enclosed in the site and concerns of the impact it would have on car parking.

He added: “Based on the evidence before me, I find that the proposed development would not unacceptably harm the character and appearance of the area.

“The proposal would not cause material harm to the character and appearance of the area or to the setting of Godley Hall.

“It would provide the benefit of a new home and there are no identified adverse impacts that would outweigh this benefit.”

When granting planning permission, Mr Coyne did impose conditions that the property must be built with materials the applicant sent samples of.

He also prohibited any alteration to the roof, including the insertion of dormer windows or the enlargement or extension of the property.

Godley Hall Inn was at the centre of a community effort to save it after former owners Mike Radcliffe and Shaun made the decision to sell because the pub is not making enough money.

People living in the area were joined by councillors as they tried to get the building secured as an Asset of Community Value before buying it.

However, the deadline passed and even though the Save Godley Hall Inn action group raised more than £100,000, it was not enough.

The pub was bought by Stalybridge-based Parkland Properties, owned by Mr Bardsley, who turned it back into a home.

Landlord and landlady Alan and Sue Hanson were told they had 12 weeks to leave after 18 years’ service as the pub was put up for sale.