Plans to refurbish Belford pub approved

Plans to further improve the Black Swan Hotel in Belford have been approved by Northumberland County Council.
Black Swan, BelfordBlack Swan, Belford
Black Swan, Belford

It is planned to create annexed staff and holiday accommodation through the creation, conversion and rebuilding of units to the rear of the premises.

The application had been withdrawn earlier this year but was resubmitted with minor modifications.

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Agent Michael Rathbone, on behalf of the owners, said: “It is hoped that the improvements to the accommodation and the facilities will generate an influx of new clientele to the property which will aid with the tourism of the area and employment.

“It will also help sustain the pub as a going concern and benefit the community as a hub for social gathering.

“This is an important aspect of rural village life and has been proven recently with the full modernisation of the nearby Percy Arms in Chatton, which until recently was only used by a select few locals, but is now a thriving business and has a growing following both locally and within the wider area.

“The facilities provided will be modern internally whilst retaining some form of uniform character and will be used in conjunction with the existing toilet facilities located on the ground floor to comply with the disabled requirements and the proposed upgraded kitchen facilities.”

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There was one objection and one representation concerning parking, flood risk, loss or privacy and the impact on amenity caused by openings to the north elevation.

However, there were no objections from statutory consultees including Belford Parish Council.

Planning officer Ragu Sittambalam said: “Overall the visual impact is acceptable. On balance the impact on amenity is not considered significant to warrant refusal of the application.”