Derbyshire town centre pub known for 'undesirable activities' could be converted into flats

A north Derbyshire pub which became a magnet for ‘undesirable activities’ before its closure could be converted into flats.
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The Duke of York, on Market Street, Eckington, shut its doors three years ago and developers now want to transform the building into four two-bedroomed apartments.

An extension to the rear of the building will also be partly demolished to create a further apartment if planning permission is secured from North East Derbyshire District Council.

Plans have been pitched to transform the Duke of York pub, on Market Street, Eckington, into flats.Plans have been pitched to transform the Duke of York pub, on Market Street, Eckington, into flats.
Plans have been pitched to transform the Duke of York pub, on Market Street, Eckington, into flats.
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Planning documents reveal the former pub site has a chequered recent history.

“The public house closed in 2018," reports say.

"Prior to this time it had struggled to be a viable business with various landlords and managers, and became an attraction for undesirable activities such as substance abuse with police frequently being called to the site.

"The public house was put up for sale in 2018 by its owners Enterprise Inns but despite being on the market for a year no buyers came forward.

"During that period the building had to be boarded up due to vandalism. It then went to auction but again attracted no buyers.”

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The old pub is a two-storey twin gabled building with a small outside drinking area to the front, a car park to the side and a single storey extension and yard area to the rear.

JVN Architecture, the agents for the developer, said in their report: “The current owner bought the building in May 2019 but shortly after the sale the building was entered unlawfully and totally stripped of all items of any value making its re-use as a public house completely uneconomic.

"During 2020 an attempt was made to turn the public house into a community asset which was refused.”

JVN says ‘there are still public houses within walking distance of the site, including The George Inn on Southgate and The Mossbrook on Sheffield Road.

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“The recent history of the building demonstrates that the pub attracted crime and anti-social behaviour when it was open and that no interest has been shown in re-opening it as a pub or converting it to any other town centre use,” reports say.

Developers say the current vandalised building ‘detracts from the vitality of the centre and from the appearance of the conservation area’ within Eckington.

North East Derbyshire District Council will now decide on the plans.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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