Pub terrace changes at Ravenfield Arms, Ravenfield

What was proposed

The application sought longer external terrace hours and three inward-facing televisions in the covered area, without external speakers or amplified sound.

“The submitted Planning Statement states that: - No external speakers or amplified sound are proposed in association with the televisions. These measures ensure that neighbouring residential amenity will continue to be protected. - The proposed management of the terrace, including the absence of external amplified sound and the inward positioning of television screens, ensures that noise impacts will remain limited.”

“- No external speakers or amplified sound - Restriction of terrace use to 23:00 hours Televisions positioned inward and limited to a covered, partially enclosed area - Ongoing staff supervision of the external area - A professional Noise Impact Assessment has been submitted which concludes that the use of the terrace, including during sporting events, results in a low likelihood of adverse impact on nearby residential receptors, with predicted noise levels generally below…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The public house has operated for over 20 years beside a recreation ground, children’s play area, homes, woodland and a public right of way.

“The existing building on site is currently in use as a public house and has been established over 20 years following the conversion from a social club.”

“The land to the east and north is public open space in use as a recreation ground and children’s play area and in the ownership of Rotherham Borough Council, with residential properties beyond to the east, as well as to the south across Hollings Lane.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and refusals

Earlier permissions allowed the public house and covered terrace, while two later attempts to relax the conditions were refused and an appeal was dismissed.

“RB2003/1577 Change of use of club to public house – Granted conditionally. Conditions imposed were: The changing room, shower and associated facilities (hereinafter referred to as the 'sports facilities') within the building, as indicated on the approved layout plan, shall be retained for such use and made available to the general public unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority.”

“RB2024/1033 Application to vary conditions 02 (to allow the external seating area and enclosed terrace to open to patrons until 23:00 hours), 03 (to allow televisions in the enclosed terrace until 21:00 hours) and 04 (to allow the playing of live or amplified music, or amplified audio outside of the pub or in the enclosed terrace until 21:00 hours) imposed by RB2023/1386 – Refused for the following reason;”

Officer report

Recommended refusal

Refusal was recommended because extended terrace use and outdoor televisions were considered likely to cause unacceptable noise and disturbance to nearby residents.

“In conclusion, having taken into account the concerns raised by Environmental Health Officers, together with those previously identified by the Planning Inspector, it is considered that the extended use of the outdoor seating areas and the installation of televisions would be likely to result in an unacceptable impact on nearby residents, particularly in terms of noise disturbance and general amenity.”

“Whilst the applicant has taken the previous reasons for refusal into consideration the proposals submitted are still considered to be unacceptable and it is considered that it is not possible to support a scheme of this nature nor would any amendments make it acceptable. The application was not considered to be in accordance with the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework resulting in this refusal.”

Officer report

Professional advice

Environmental Health considered the changes likely to cause significant noise disturbance, while Highways had no observations.

“RMBC - Environmental Health – Note that the noise assessment was previously taken into consideration as part of application RB2025/0348 and the reasons for recommending refusal by Environmental Health at that time are provided under that application.”

“However, the site is located within a tranquil area and in very close proximity to residential dwellings and they consider that the proposed changes to the previously imposed conditions would result in significant adverse impact as a result of noise disturbance to nearby occupiers for the reasons set out in the appraisal below.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Requests to speak were received from the applicant and Ravenfield Parish Council.

The committee’s decision

The application was refused for the reasons adopted by Members at the meeting and listed in the report.

“(4) That application RB2026/0412 be refused for the reasons adopted by Members at the meeting and listed in the submitted report.”

Minutes