Plans have been put forward for a former "eyesore" pub in Sutton-in-Ashfield that has been standing since the 18th century. The Crown and Woolpack, which sits next to Sutton town centre, has been out of use for more than 10 years with the council struggling to find a use for it.
But last week plans were submitted for eight flats to replace the former pub. Residents have recently said that they are "baffled" by the length of time that the Woolpack has closed its doors, with flyers positioned on the front of the site that have been there for some time.
Local residents have questioned why it has taken such a long time for the building to be put to use, and had suggested that housing would be a suitable option. Louise Healy, 53, who lives in Sutton, said: "It's been like that for years and it's like that all the time. I've been coming to the town for getting on 10 years and it's not changed.
"It could do with being spruced up and some TLC. It's not the only one though, there are a few pubs in Sutton that are just sitting there and nothing's being done with them. I suppose they could build some flats there instead - it's a nice-looking building on its own but not when it has no purpose.
Michael Lyons, 55, said: "Yes it's been sitting there like that for years. I'm not sure how long it's not been used for but I'd heard it was going to be turned into flats but, like what happens all the time, nothing has been done.
"It's baffling that they haven't managed to do anything with it. It would be a great site for some homes for people to move into.
"You've got Sutton town centre right here and ASDA just opposite, surely they could think of something. At the moment it's just an unfortunately run-down building, you've got flyers hanging off of it, it's not right and someone should put some effort into fixing it."
Constructed in 1760, the pub has a long and storied history. The earliest reference to an owner was in 1822. The property was run by John Wass for two years from 1852-1854 before being leased to Mansfield Brewery. In October 1893 the property was sold by auction to Mansfield Brewery to include the Inn plus two houses and a shop.
One councillor has said that the Crown and Woolpack is a victim of behaviour changes. David Hennigan, Independent councillor for Sutton Central and New Cross, said: “The old Crown and Woolpack on Forest Street was a popular, proper local boozer in its heyday but it’s sadly sat on the Council’s Derelict and Empty Property list. At one time, there was a pub on every street corner in Sutton Town Centre but the Crown and Woolpack is a victim of behaviour changes.
“We recently fought hard to ensure the Staff of Life, around the corner was saved. This is back up and running and indeed thriving. It appears however that last orders has been rang for the final time at the Crown and Woodpack. It is an eyesore but it will and does take time to tackle these properties.
"We’ve asked the council’s business support team to engage with the owners to see if there is any way we can help the owner move forward with this. With the improvements due with the Town’s Fund to Sutton Town Centre – the old Crown and Woolpack sticks out like a sore thumb. We will do everything we can to assist this property is brought back to life."
