Flats plan for disused pub

The Don in Swinton closed over a year ago after three landlords in 18 months failed to turn a profit.

Plans have been submitted for the New Station Road building to become 12 two-bedroom apartments.

Applicants Yorkfield Estates—based next door and also part of the plan—said residential development was the only option because the area is not populated enough to support the pub.

Yorkfield surveyed more than 80 homes in neighbouring streets and less than one in five residents said they had ever used the Don pub.

Yorkfield said they intend to keep the outside appearance of the pub and add four parking spaces, making 14.

The housing plan includes the adjoining Yorkfield building. The company said that its warehouse and office space had been advertised for several months by local estate agents with no interest whatsoever.

Studies by Rotherham Borough Council’s highways department showed that demolishing the pub would give motorists turning off New Station Road a better sight line.

But it added that this would be at the cost of losing the “historic and townscape value” of the Don building.

Consultation for the proposal ends on December 17 and a decision should be made a month later.