Bid to turn pub into Craven Arms homes is rejected

The owners of the Engine and Tender in Broome, near Craven Arms, wanted to change it into two separate cottages. However, after visiting the pub, which closed down almost two years ago, and listening to a number of local objections, the South Shropshire Planning Committee rejected the plan.

The committee met at Shropshire Council's Westgate offices in Bridgnorth yesterday and were recommended to approve the application by planning officers.

Officers said losing the pub would be 'regrettable' but evidence submitted suggested reopening it was unlikely in the foreseeable future.

But some councillors said the pub, its outbuildings, on-site touring caravan park and camping site showed too much potential to be simply converting into housing.

Vice chair of the planning committee and Shropshire Councillor Stuart West, said: "The pub used to be a thriving place and to see it like it is now is quite sad."

Mr West added that although the committee could see the potential of the pub there was no guarantee the owners could raise the capital needed to do it up, or in the current financial climate that it would succeed.

But Madge Shineton, Shropshire Councillor for Cleobury Mortimer said it was obvious how much potential the site had.

And she said she could not agree with the application as it would mean losing the Engine and Tender forever.

The planning committee voted to reject the application on the grounds it would be a loss of a community facility by a five to two majority vote.