Retrospective bar at 276 - 278 Great North Road, Woodlands, Doncaster

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought to change a former bank into a bar, with seating, toilets, a stage, storage and staff facilities.

“Proposal Description: Change of use of bank (Class E) to bar (Sui Generis) (Retrospective) At: 276-278 Great North Road, Woodlands, Doncaster, DN6 7HN”

“Proposal Description: The application seeks retrospective planning permission for the change of use of a bank (Use Class E) to a bar (Sui Generis). The submitted plans indicate that the ground floor comprises the bar itself, seating areas, WCs, a stage and changing room, along with ancillary storage spaces. The first floor is shown to accommodate meeting and staff spaces, further storage provision and WCs all in connection with the use.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The premises are in a parade of town-centre shops opposite the Woodlands Conservation Area, with residential development nearby and limited parking outside.

“The site also lies opposite the Woodlands Conservation Area (see Appendices 4 and 5). The site, and the Town Centre as a whole, is situated on Great North Road, with residential development to the rear and opposite, on the other side of the road. There is limited provision for on-street parking outside the premises, with some off-street parking provision to the rear of the property. Relevant Planning History 3.1 None 4.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the town-centre use was acceptable and impacts on amenity, highways, parking, visual appearance and heritage could be controlled or avoided.

“The principle of the change of use from a bank (Use Class E) to a bar (Sui Generis Use Class) is acceptable in this Town Centre location.”

“The absence of external alterations to facilitate the change of use would ensure the development would not have an impact on the setting of the nearby Woodlands Conservation Area, and there would be no impacts more generally on visual amenity.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Highways raised no objections, environmental health had no objection, and the conservation officer found no significant effect on the Conservation Area.

“It is said that the change of use will not include any external alterations. There are no heritage objections in this case to this element as the host building is not in the Conservation Area, and as there are many others in the terrace, but it is hoped that this will be better integrated in the fascia/signage than previously evident in Google Streetview of August 2025.”

Officer report

Public comments

One representation objected because of possible noise-related loss of residential amenity.

“Public Representations 5.1 This application has been advertised in accordance with Article 15 of the Town and Country Planning Development Management Procedure (England) Order 2015 by means of neighbour notification letters, posting of a site notice and display on the Council’s website. One representation has been received objecting to the application on the grounds of loss of residential amenity resulting from noise.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support of the application for five minutes.

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the imposition of planning conditions.

“Decision: Planning permission GRANTED subject to the imposition of planning conditions.”

Minutes