Wetherspoons declined offer to take on former Doncaster pub and site could now become shops and flats

A former Doncaster village pub could be turned into shops and flats after many bar and restaurant chains, including JD Wetherspoon, declined to take it on.
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Applicant Bar 24 Ltd has put forward plans to turn The Acorn pub on Hatfield Road, Armthorpe into two ground floor retail units and two one-bedroom flats.

But documents from Barnsdales – Chartered Surveyors & Property Consultants have revealed that the building was touted to many firms including pub giant JD Wetherspoon, Vintage Inns, Brewdog and restaurants Tamatanga, Fat Hippo, Ego Mediterranean and Zaap Thai.

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All declined to take up the opportunity so the plans were amended to include retail and flats.

The site of the former Acorn pub in Armthorpe could be turned into shops and flatsThe site of the former Acorn pub in Armthorpe could be turned into shops and flats
The site of the former Acorn pub in Armthorpe could be turned into shops and flats

But the plans have brought objection from the Doncaster branch of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and say the increasing population of the village will mean a pub could easily be supported.

The building fronts onto and takes access from Hatfield Lane and has a two storey central section with single storey elements to either side.

Customer car parking will be provided along the front and side of the proposed retail units.

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There are two existing access points onto Hatfield Lane and both will be widened to accommodate the entry and egress of delivery vehicles.

Reports show that delivery vehicles will enter the site from the north entrance and leave by the southern exit with deliveries being made at the side and rear of the premises.

Dave Bartley, branch secretary of Doncaster CAMRA, said: “While we are aware that The Acorn has been closed for some time, we believe that it would be to the long-term detriment of Armthorpe if this pub were to be lost altogether.

“Pubs play an important part in community life. Naturally, at the moment that is not possible. As our society returns to a more normal way of life, we are sure there will be a renewed demand for such social amenities.

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A spokesman for Bar 24 Ltd, said: “Like so many public houses in similar locations that mainly relied on trade from local residents it is now closed and has been for some time.

“The proposed retail use of the ground floor is an entirely appropriate alternative use to the public house.”

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