TWO landmark pubs in the Dearne are to be demolished after years of standing empty – much to the delight of a local councillor.
Last week, work began to demolish The Thurnscoe Hotel, on Houghton Road, almost a year after plans were approved by the council’s planning board.
The former pub has been unused for more than five years and a recent planning application, submitted by Darren Investments Limited, sought permission to demolish the building and replace it with a new petrol station.
Since the property became vacant it has been the target of numerous vandalism attempts – and it has been set alight more than ten times.
A structural report by AN Consulting Engineers Limited states: “The local authority and the fire department have both stated the building is no longer safe to enter and work from.
“The overall structural integrity has been compromised following numerous fires.
“There is a strong possibility of total roof collapse in the short term leading to damage to the lower floors also.
“The local authority and the fire department have advices to close all access into the building with the upper floors no longer safe to walk upon.”
Just weeks after the initial planning application was submitted, the building was deliberately set alight once more.
Plans were approved in December to turn the dilapidated eyesore into a petrol station.
The area has been without a petrol station for a number of years and other pubs such as the Butcher’s Arms keep nightlife thriving.
The application has now been approved bringing six new jobs to the area – and the petrol station is set to be open 24 hours seven days a week.
Included in the application is the installation of a hot food takeaway on-site.
Coun Wendy Cain, who represents the Dearne North ward, said: “The Thurnscoe Hotel is a place that hold many happy memories for people.
“However, since it closed it has become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour and a target for arson attacks.
“I’ve been told the demolition will take around a month and then work will start to bring the area back into use for the people of Thurnscoe.”
Elsewhere in the Dearne, The Goldthorpe Hotel, on Doncaster Road, is also set to be demolished.
An application was previously approved in 2011 to take down the former public house and replace it with ten apartments.
After years without any work being undertaken the application subsequently lapsed before being granted approval again last year.
Last week, residents received a letter from Demex Ltd – the company in charge of the building – that the site will be demolished next month.
It states: “Works are scheduled to start during the week commencing September 17 subject to planning permission and are estimated to be completed within a duration of three weeks.
“During the demolition process, the site will be secured and necessary safety measures will be implemented to minimise any potential risks or disruptions to the local community.
“However, slight disturbances such as increased vehicle movement, noise and dust may be unavoidable during the demolition process.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and will make every effort to keep disturbance to a minimum.”
