Restaurant conversion plan for long-vacant Rotherham pub
A NEW restaurant could be on the way for Kimberworth under plans to revamp one of the community’s now-vacant pubs.
The proposal would see the Green Dragon, in High Street, get an extension and lose some existing outbuildings.
That would pave the way for the ground floor to be used as a new restaurant, combined with a “modest” convenience store, while retaining the upper part of the building for accommodation.
The shop, described as a One Stop type outlet, would be accommodated in the extension, with the restaurant in the existing pub premises.
It is anticipated that if the change goes ahead, it will create new full and part time jobs, increasing footfall on the High Street which could be beneficial to other businesses.
Application details state: “The proposal ensures the continued active use of a long-established community building, avoiding vacancy and decline.”
Alongside the restaurant, the plans include providing function and meeting space, suitable for both private and community events.
The shop development is deemed to “provide an important local service, particularly for residents with limited mobility or without access to private vehicles.
Planners have been told the pub is no longer viable as a business in that trade, stating it had “been vacant for a prolonged period and us demonstrably no longer viable”.
“The premises have been actively marketed for continued licensed use by specialist hospitality agents at the realistic rental love, with no viable operator interest forthcoming.
“This reflects a genuine lack of market demand rather than any deficiency in marketing.”
A decision on the application will be made later.