Plan to turn former Doncaster pub into convenience store is deferred for site visit

Lloyd Nicholson, of Lazurus Properties, has applied to transform the now closed Millstone pub on West Gate, Tickhill into a Co-op 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 would also take place alongside the erection of a new external stairway and extension.

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

Representatives from Tickhill 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.

Councillors at a recent meeting said they were concerned around road safety and were conflicted on the potential impact on the town centre.

The application was deferred until March andMembers of the planning committee will visit the site on February 28. A decision is likely to be made at another meeting on March 3.

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

Council planning officers are recommended the proposal should be approved.

Maxine Clark, on behalf of Tickhill 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.”