Vandalised and arson-hit north Shropshire pub can't be demolished for homes, rules planning inspector

Last year, Whitchurch Homes revealed plans to demolish the former Horse and Jockey pub, which sits on the corner of Claypit Street and Church Street.

Since its closure almost two decades ago, the building has suffered extensive vandalism, theft, two arson attacks and even a collision with an articulated lorry.

The proposal, which set out to build four terraced houses and a pair of semi-detached homes, was quickly thrown out by council planners, who determined the scheme would cause "substantial harm" to the conservation area. 

Unhappy with the decision, Whitchurch Homes director, David English, launched an appeal with the Government Planning Inspectorate which has now sided with the local authority.

In his report, Inspector Samuel Watson said the Horse and Jockey still makes a positive contribution to the conservation area and the setting of nearby listed buildings, despite its deteriorating condition.

"It was clear during my site visit that as part of the building’s deterioration it has had become significantly overgrown with ivy and there was also damage to the windows and roofs which meant the building is unlikely to be weathertight. I am also mindful of the vandalism suffered at the site.

"However, I have found the building to retain its significance and that harm would result from its loss and replacement," the report stated.

Watson also found that the proposed new homes would “further exacerbate” the harm, describing them as “relatively modern in the design and nondescript in their detailing”.

He added: "Of particular note is that the traditional features present on the existing public house and within the surrounding area are not obviously reflected in the designs of the proposed dwellings. 

"Lacking sufficient details, I cannot be certain that the proposed doors and fenestration, the roofing or brickwork would be sympathetic to the conservation area."

The inspector concluded that the Horse and Jockey should not be demolished, and the proposed housing scheme was not appropriate for such a sensitive historic location.