Sir Robert in Great Sutton is proposed to be transformed into a Heron Foods store. Cheshire West and Chester Council rubber-stamped the project today (November 3), which will create 15 jobs opportunities.
Before it was forced to close temporarily, the Overpool Road pub served the final pint in March 2020. That was due to an outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.
Despite the easing of lockdown measures at the end of June, tenants of the pub announced that reopening had been postponed. They announced their departure that month.
Since then, the pub has remained closed with its windows and doors locked up, and the property has been blocked off, having existed since the 1960s.
Last year, In September, its owners, Red Oak Taverns Limited, applied to Cheshire West and Chester Council for converting the pub for use as a convenience store.
According to the application, Sir Robert is “no longer viable.” It put this together on their part by CPC Ltd.
In January 2020, Red Oak Taverns posted a “for-sale” board. But the property attracted “little attention” as a result, and no bids were made on the site.
“There are thus a number of indicators which highlight that this is an unviable public house, having struggled for several years”, the application stated.
According to the report supporting approval of the plans, three public submissions were made, including complaints filed against the “housekeeping” of the site, property devaluation, and deliveries that caused the noise.
The pub is supposedly subject to a covenant for 100 years, which was raised as another issue.
Emma Sheppard, an officer of the Council case, said in her report: “The site’s housekeeping, property value devaluation, and vermin risk are not material planning concerns.”
“In addition, nothing was mentioned about the ‘garden’ space going into sales. An assessment of the impact of noise was performed, and conditions were set.
“During the planning application process, covenants are not considered legal matters.”
No objections were raised by Councillor Paul Donovan or his fellow ward members. They were aware that some neighbours had expressed opposition to the plans. To address their concerns, the conditions were also proposed.
During business hours, Monday to Saturday, 8 am-8 pm. And on Sundays and holidays, 8 am-4 pm. Five full-time and ten part-time employees will be working in the store. Would you love to go for some purchase there? Let us know in the comments.
