New apartment plans lodged for historic Shropshire pub

A new planning application has been lodged concerning a historic Grade II-listed public house in Shropshire, proposing additional apartments. Earlier in the current month, approval was secured to transform the first and second floors of the Craven Arms Hotel into eight residential units. This recent submission to Shropshire Council details intentions to convert the ground floor into an additional seven flats, which would result in the former coaching inn ceasing its operation as a public house. According to submitted documents, the establishment has been closed for a minimum of three years, and the proposed change of use is not anticipated to negatively affect the local community. Previously, Rugby Property Assets Limited, the developers, had stated that the ground floor would resume operations as a pub and that the renovations would “respect the existing historic fabric of the building”. This Georgian structure derived its name from the Lords Craven, proprietors of the adjacent Stokesay Castle. In the 19th Century, as the town of Craven Arms expanded following the introduction of the railway, it adopted its name from this very building. The ground floor presently comprises two spacious bar areas, a breakfast room, a substantial carvery, a kitchen, and toilet facilities. A design and access statement indicated a lack of continued interest in the property functioning as a public house. It stated: “After a thorough advertising process, there was no interest in the property for the retention of the public house function and that it was ultimately suited as a development opportunity. “This was primarily related to the costs for refurbishment of the public house against the potential returns on the investment, ultimately determining that the use was not viable.” The public has the opportunity to submit comments on the proposed plans online until December 13. Updates are available by following BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.