Milbank Arms pub plan approved despite objections

A PLAN for a major revamp at a historic Teesdale pub has been approved after council officers agreed it would help save the inn, despite concerns from objectors.

Durham County Council said if alterations to the Milbank Arms, in Barningham, were rejected, the 19th century pub would face closure, leading to a loss of the community facility and decline of a heritage asset.

County officers added that the plans were important for jobs, tourism and village life.

Barningham and Holgate Estates submitted an application to refit the grade II-listed pub with a dining area by removing some internal walls.

The two-acre Victorian walled garden and barn would used for events and functions with an adjoining marquee. The business plan would involve using businesses such as Coghlans bakery to hold restaurant nights, instead of having the overheads of a paid chef. The pub would be open three days a week. However, the county council acknowledged there was “a significant level of public concern” about the proposals for the pub, which is listed as an asset of community value.

Objections were received from real ale group Camra. There were also 12 objection letters from the public.

Protestors feared the pub’s rare feature of not having a bar would be lost. They were also worried about traffic. The Georgian Group was among the objectors to the project.

Spokesman James Darwin wrote how the Milbank Arms first opened as a hotel in 1860.

He added: “Its public rooms consisting of a tap room, domino room, and a small dining room where the estate’s monthly rent collection took place, remain remarkably intact. Service was obtained through a hatch close to the head of the cellar steps, and the inn is believed to be one of fewer than 20 to survive nationally without a bar counter of the usual kind. The pub is one of only two in County Durham which Camra have described as being of national importance.”

The Georgian Group said the plan would cause considerable harm. But Sir Edward Milbank, who owns the property, had warned the alternative was to lose the pub. Those concerns were echoed by Durham County Council planning officer Tim Burnham. In a report approving the application, he wrote: “As one of very few pubs in the country without a bar it has a uniqueness, but there is no food or accommodation offered – two aspects which in times of falling-off sales are often part of a successful rural pub. The unique character is clearly not enough to keep the operation of the pub viable.

“The proposals put forward are aimed at securing its long term future, in turn bringing benefits to the community, the rural economy and continued maintenance of the listed buildings.”

Overnight tourists spent £81million in the county in 2015 but the number of visitors staying the night has remained static with the lack of new accommodation options a possible factor, the council added. “Being able to attract visitors to the pub, or through events, and having accommodation to complement these uses is seen as an important way to attract and keep visitors in the county for longer, and the longer they can stay in the area, the more likely they are to spend money at local facilities, shops and attractions in the wider area,” Mr Burnham said.

He added: “If the works are not allowed to progress the alternative is potential closure of the pub.”

Sir Edward said: “We are delighted that the planners have permitted the development of the Milbank Arms and Walled Garden. Now that we have planning permission in hand we are submitting a bid to the Rural Growth Programme which we hope will contribute funding towards the capital works.”

If successful, building works will start this year.