Officials snub pub extension (From Gazette & Herald)

Officials snub pub extension

OWNERS of a North Yorkshire pub which was one of the first in the country to be declared smoke-free have submitted ambitious extension plans.

But planning officers have advised councillors to turn down the proposals for the Middleton Arms, at Middleton near Pickering, because of objections over parking issues.

Tony and Jayne Wells want to expand their business by building an L-shaped two-storey extension between the pub and a house, which will accommodate six en suite bedrooms so they can provide bed and breakfast.

In a letter to Ryedale District Council planning department, Mr Wells said: "My wife and I purchased the Middleton Arms, formerly the New Tavern, a year ago last Easter.

"It was undoubtedly an ailing business with a small clientele and, had we been of a more ruthless nature, could have argued to de-license the property and change it back into a house, with the obvious instant financial short-term gains.

"We are, however, very fond of Middleton and felt that the inn could again play a more important part in the village as well as the wider part of Ryedale in general."

The father-of-two said his family and staff had invested a lot of time and money into making the pub a success. He disagreed that there was often congestion outside the pub and said it only occasionally occurred during high season.

Joan Catesby, of Middleton, was one of nine people who wrote letters of objection. She wrote: "Extra accommodation must mean extra cars, which cannot but exacerbate an already hazardous situation."

Aislaby, Middleton and Wrelton Parish Council has urged Ryedale planning committee members to refuse the application, on the grounds of insufficient parking, at their meeting on Tuesday.

Updated: 09:35 Saturday, November 08, 2003