One of Doncaster’s biggest pubs moves a step closer to demolition

One of Doncaster’s biggest pubs looks set for demolition.
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A plan has been revealed to demolish The Highwoods Inn, on Elm Road, Mexborough, several years after it last served a customer at the bar.

This week a site notice was posted outside the building stating Remcourt Ltd, a business based in the south of England, had put in an official application to knock it down.

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It stated that the firm planned to knock the building down on Monday, February 3, next year – but that could be delayed.

Highwoods pub in MexboroughHighwoods pub in Mexborough
Highwoods pub in Mexborough

Roy Sykes, head of planning at Doncaster Council, said: “The council has received notification for the demolition of the building. However this is not considered to be permitted development and a full application would be required which would need to be fully assessed and publicised in line with the statutory requirements.”

The pub has not been used for several years. It is not the only derelict pub in Mexborough, with concerns also having been raised over the Red Lion.

One resident wrote on social media: “A great pub in its era, real community spirit. Was always my last watering hole, before heading off to the Jesters.”

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But residents living nearby say the building had not been used as a pub for around five years and had become a magnet for anti-social behaviour in recent years.

Highwoods pub in MexboroughHighwoods pub in Mexborough
Highwoods pub in Mexborough

It now has an eight-foot wooden wall surrounding its grounds, keeping people out of the site.

One resident who declined to be named said: “It closed four or five years ago. There was talk about a take-away being built there with flats above it.

“I think people will be pleased to see it go now. Kids are always in it, and it’s been set alight. I’m surprised no one’s been hurt in it.”

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Another added: “It looks like it’s been abandoned. I’ve lived here two years and it’s just been young kids playing in there. I think people will be pleased to see it gone.”

Last year, plans were submitted to Doncaster Council proposing a scheme that would see a hot food takeaway built on the site, along with two shop units and 13 flats above them.