Duke of York pub in Gosberton Risegate to be demolished after South Holland District Council planning committee accepts its 'sad' fate

A village pub is set to be demolished after councillors finally accepted its ‘sad’ fate.

The Duke of York pub in Gosberton Risegate will be knocked down after South Holland District Council’s planning committee agreed the building has no future.

Outline permission has now been granted for residential use at the site on Risegate Road.

Lucy Stevens, daughter of applicant Sue Goodenough, attended last week’s committee meeting to say she had provided evidence of the pub’s decline over the last few years. It has been empty since October 2020.

Councillors admitted it was a disappointing decision to make, but unanimously voted the proposal through.

There had been no campaign to save the pub by residents - but it had not been marketed for sale either.

The planning committee had previously asked the applicant to provide more evidence on the pub’s future at its meeting in June.

This was due to rules in place set out by planning officers.

Coun Christine Lawton said it is unfortunate that it will be demolished, but that changing circumstances have made it necessary.

Coun Henry Bingham, who represents the Donington ward on the district council, said: “It is a sad day when a village pub closes.”

The planning committee’s chairman, Coun James Avery, echoed similar sentiments.

He added: “It is sad when pubs close. I think Covid has had a big impact on some of these establishments.”

They agreed that residents can make use of another suitable pub in The Black Horse on Siltside.

Coun Bryan Alcock said the Duke of York had not received the necessary public support to raise any new objections.

The applicants had previously said the building was in a state of disrepair with rising damp and woodworm - and that it was in need of a new roof.

It was costing them £600 per month in business rates, council tax and insurance.

With the building demolished, the site is now set to be used for a residential development.

However, no work can take place without the written approval of the Local Planning Authority. An application must be made within three years, and work must begin within two years of it being accepted.