Northumberland pub to close permanently after conversion plans approved

Plans to convert a Northumberland country pub into a residential dwelling have received the green light.
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The Oak Inn, close to the A1 at Causey Park between Morpeth and Alnwick, has been closed for over a year.

Causey Park Farms said the pub was no longer viable and submitted a change of use application to Northumberland County Council.

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The Oak Inn at Causey Park.The Oak Inn at Causey Park.
The Oak Inn at Causey Park.

It also said the proposed dualling of the A1, taking traffic west of the pub, would remove passing trade.

The change of use application does not include any demolition or structural operations.

The property has existing two-bedroom residential accommodation in the first floor and therefore cosmetic only internal changes will be required to the ground floor.

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There were no objections from statutory consultees or local residents.

The Oak Inn at Causey Park in 2012.The Oak Inn at Causey Park in 2012.
The Oak Inn at Causey Park in 2012.

Planning officer Ryan Soulsby, approving the scheme under delegated powers, reported: “The proposed change of use of a public house to a private residential dwelling would ultimately result in the loss of a community asset.

"However, it is recognised the current premises has remained vacant for over a year now after its closure in September 2019.

"The supporting details note that the business had been suffering from low trade for a number of years and was requiring significant internal upgrades which would not be financially viable.

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"It can therefore be concluded that conversion of the existing premises is appropriate in this instance.”

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