183-year-old pub faces demolition for cycle path

The Midland in Heaton Norris, near Stockport could close after Stockport Council submitted a planning application to build a link road next to the pub, which would include a 200 yard cycle path.

Campaigners have started a petition to save the 183-year-old pub, which has 870 supporters. One claimed just a “few small tweeks” to the proposal would be enough to keep the pub open.

But the Council has claimed the link road is a key element in the Town Centre Access Plan and the pub would impact vehicle and pedestrian safety.

Ghost town

Licensee at the pub Mark Hayter, who owns the freehold, said: “I remember when Stockport was a thriving place to come out, there was a place to go every 100 yards. Now it’s like they are turning it into a ghost town.

“It’s a shame it isn't listed. It’s survived two world wars. Now it’s getting demolished for the sake of 200 metres of road widening.”

The application will be submitted to the council’s planning department in the coming weeks, after which all parties will have their say.

“It’s the council applying for planning permission to the council, so I can hardly see them opposing it,” Hayter said.

“The petition shows how many people appreciate having a road with a lot of pubs together.”

Compensation

The council has informed the owner of a range of potential compensation measures, which could include relocating to another pub.

Graham Privett signed the petition to save the building. He said: “Mark has worked extremely hard and is now seeing the fruits of his labours.

“Very popular pub with good ales and darts teams. With a minor amend to the plans this great pub can be saved. Knocking it down is short sighted and unnecessary.”

Andrew Carson added: “Just a small tweak to the plans and this survivor from the 1840's lives on.”

Short-sighted

Margaret Monaghan described the decision as “short-sighted”.

“Just work around it. No amount of compensation will cover the destruction of this beautiful building,” she said.

A Stockport Council spokesman said: "The proposed new link road is a key element in the Town Centre Access Plan (TCAP) providing a link between the A6 and M60 whilst reducing traffic in the town centre.

"Unfortunately the Midland Pub is very close to the proposed junction and we believe it would impact on pedestrian and vehicle safety to try to retain it.

"Stockport Council has met with the owner and informed him about the range of compensation measures which may be available, should the proposed link road proceed, these could include relocation to alternative premises. The council has recommended the owner to obtain independent professional advice which the council has offered to fund as part of the scheme proposals.

"A planning application will be submitted to the council’s planning department over the coming weeks giving all interested parties the opportunity to have their say on the proposals."

See the petition here​.