Green light for Wickersley pub’s outdoor bar despite objections

ANOTHER drinks venue in Wickersley has been given the go-ahead for an outside bar — but this time closer to houses.
The Three Horseshoes has been given retrospective planning approval for the outside bar.The Three Horseshoes has been given retrospective planning approval for the outside bar.
The Three Horseshoes has been given retrospective planning approval for the outside bar.

A petition of 11 names and parish and ward councillors objected to the retrospective application for the Three Horseshoes, which also included a timber pergola.

Nearby venues the Olive Lounge, Masons and GasLamp have built outdoor additions to capture more of the village’s growing nightlife scene.

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But ward member Cllr Emma Hoddinott said: “Those have all been on the Bawtry Road side. This is allowing a more intensive use on the other side, towards the houses.

“You haven’t got the barrier of buildings. We think it will have a detrimental effect. It’s not just music but the noise associated with greater use of the outside.

“Wickersley is about getting the balance right between the retail, nightlife and residential. We feel this tips it in the wrong direction.”

Parish councillor Peter Thirlwall added: “Wickersley has become the town centre of Rotherham — unfortunately without the support that the town centre normally gets. So we have to deal with all the anti-social behaviour, the noise and litter.”

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He pointed out that the Three Horseshoes outdoor bar had been given an alcohol licence until 10pm by RMBC — but its proposed opening hours were until midnight.

The planning board agreed to align both to 10pm as members voted in favour of the proposals.

But board member Cllr Jenny Whysall said: “I don’t see how it can fail to affect those properties, which are very near, when you’ve got a gathering of people drinking outside.”

Paul Semple, partner at the pub’s agents, Bidwells, said the outdoor bar’s impact on surroundings had already been considered when the licence was approved in April. 

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There had previously been problems with noise — mostly linked to live music events — and a formal warning was issued last year.

Mr Semple added: “We understand the concerns of residents but we would like to reassure that there’s a new manager and a new regime.”

There was criticism of the development going ahead before permission had been granted. Planning board member Cllr Mick Elliott said: “I find it incredulous that a brewery would build something like this and come back for retrospective permission.”

The developer looking to convert the former Edward Healy shop, on the other side of Bawtry Road, into a food and drink outlet is said to be keeping his options open about the end user, amid rumours of it being a KFC.

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