A popular pub has won a planning battle to keep its outdoor bar. However, it still needs to remove an unauthorized tepee used for events and celebrations.
Ramsbottom: A popular gastro pub has just won a planning battle. The Eagle and Child can keep its outdoor bar, which is great news. But there’s a catch—they still have to tear down a giant tepee.
This tepee was built without permission during the pandemic. It’s been used for weddings and other events, but the council isn’t having it. They say it’s unauthorized and causing noise issues.
Last year, the pub tried to get permission for the tepee, but it was denied. The council was worried about traffic and noise. The tepee can hold up to 72 people, and the owners called it essential for their business.
This week, they got approval for the outdoor bar, which serves drinks in the beer garden. It even has a pizza oven, which has been a hit with customers. They also asked for a covered pergola and a toilet block.
Helen Binns, who spoke for the pub, highlighted how tough things are for pubs right now. Many are closing down because they can’t make enough money. She stressed that smaller pubs like the Eagle and Child are especially at risk.
She mentioned that to survive, pubs need to adapt and diversify. The changes they’re proposing are small but could really help the pub stay afloat.
David Marno, the head of development at the council, pointed out that the tepee is being used as a venue. He said they’re taking action to remove it because it’s causing noise issues.
Many complaints about the pub relate to parking. The Eagle and Child was named UK ‘Pub of the Year’ in 2017, but it only has space for 11 cars. This means customers often park on nearby streets.
As for noise, the pub has been limiting noise in the beer garden to 10 PM. Still, they received 22 objections to the outdoor bar application. Some locals think the bar will still be noisy.
However, there were also 39 letters of support for the pub. One supporter called it a good local venue and community hub. In the end, the committee voted to approve the plans for the outdoor bar.
