'Massive win for the community who have finally had their voice heard' - councillor speaks out as demolition threat lifts from oldest pub in north Derbyshire village
A county councillor is hailing a “massive win for the community” after proposals to demolish a village’s oldest pub and build a drive-through cafe in its place were thrown out by a planning authority.
Cllr Richard Smith, who launched a petition to save the Three Horseshoes in Brimington which was signed by more than 400 supporters, is overjoyed that the planning application has been refused by Chesterfield Borough Council. He said: “It’s not just a win for Reform in Chesterfield, it’s a main win for the community of Brimington who have finally had their voice heard.”
The county council representative for Brimington paid a visit to the Three Horseshoes on the day after the borough council made its decision. He said the mood was one of relief, especially for the staff. Cllr Smith said: “I’ll be going to have a couple of drinks with them on Saturday when there is going to be a bit of a celebration.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Smith is back on the petition trail this week and is knocking on doors asking people what they think about possible plans to build 1,000 new homes on land to the east of Manor Road, Brimington. He said: “There is a strong sense of community getting together and trying to stop this. I’ve had 250 signatures so far. I’ve had an email from a resident in Calow asking ‘please don’t forget about us – we’re opposing it as well’.”
Although a planning application to develop the site hasn’t been submitted, an agent for Hallam Land requested an Environmental Impact Screening Opinion from the borough council and the authority decided that an Environmental Statement is required.