This former Doncaster pub could be turned into a Sainsbury's Local

Lloyd Nicholson, of Lazurus Properties, wants to transform the now closed Millstone pub on Westgate, Tickhill into a retail unit and properties.

The wider development includes a ground floor store, three one-bedroom flats, two two-bedroom flats and 21 parking spaces.

A partial demolition of an outbuilding is also set to take place alongside the erection of a new external stairway and extension.

Doncaster Civic Trust, who are keen advocates for the preservation and conservation of historic buildings, has also objected to plans for a convenience store.

The application has received nearly 200 objections with 45 supporting the application.

Council planning officers are recommending the proposal is approved but the final say will be down to councillors on the local authority’s planning committee.

Representatives from Tickhil Parish Council said they were in favour of the proposal to convert the building into flats but were against the convenience store part of the application.

Maxine Clark, on behalf of parish councillors, said: “Current retailers report that their businesses operate on the margins of profitability. The presence of a supermarket outside the town centre could well undermine, if not destroy, the viability of the Core Business Area.

We ask the planning department to reject that part of the proposal which concerns the interior use of the ground floor of the Millstone as a major store. We support the creation of flats throughout the building.”

Graham Raynor, from GR Planning & Architectural Design, said: “The proposed retail use will compliment existing retail uses in the town by providing a store with a greater retail floor area than could be accommodated or created elsewhere within the core business area and as such will increase the range and choice of products and commodities that are presently available.

“This will avoid the need for residents to have to travel to larger retail outlets in neighbouring settlements.”

Councillors will decide on the application on Tuesday, February 4 at a meeting at Civic Office starting at 2pm.