A SHEFFIELD family is finally set to receive council permission to turn a historic pub into apartments after throwing in the towel to run it as a going concern.
The Appleyards last month brought a tradition of more than 200 years to an end when they closed the Robin Hood Inn at Little Matlock, Stannington.
They bought the pub to save it from closure but said they could no longer continue pouring money into the business.
The family want to live there but have been waiting for council approval to convert the listed building, at the end of Greaves Lane, off Wood Lane, into three apartments.
Now their proposals have won the backing of city planners, despite community concerns over the loss of the pub, which dates from 1804.
Councillors will be recommended to give the go-ahead on Tuesday.
Changes will be largely internal and there will be no detrimental impact on the appearance of the building or its setting, says a council report.
“Moreover the removal of the beer garden furniture and the replacement of a swathe of car parking with a meadow and amenity area is likely to enhance the setting of the building.”
Ten objections have been received about the closure of the pub, including one from Norfolk.
Loxley Valley Protection Society says it understands the strong feeling but also understands the need for conversion in the current economic climate and broadly supports the proposals.
From: http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/local/robin_hood_finally_homes_in_on_a_new_lease_of_life_1_3828715
