Derelict former Oak Tree pub in Grimsby may be transformed into ten homes

A DERELICT former pub once earmarked to become a pool hall could become the site of ten new homes.

Hull-based SKN Developments has put forward the plans to North East Lincolnshire Council for ten houses on the land currently occupied by the former Oak Tree pub, in Norwich Avenue, Grimsby.

In August last year, Steve Ward, who ran The Wholesaler, a general store, in one corner of the building, had planning permission approved for a new ten-table members only pool hall.

But the transformation never came to fruition, and the pub has laid dormant ever since.

The once popular venue first closed its doors in January last year.

It is not known if The Wholesaler is still trading, as the shutters were down when the Grimsby Telegraph visited the site.

According to the plans, the application is for five pairs of three bedroom semi-detached dwellings, with access directly from Halton Way, Western Outway and Norwich Avenue.

The planning statement said: "The Oak Tree public house has changed ownership several times recently and has been open and closed on a regular basis in recent years and questions have been raised about the economic viability and future of this business within the area."

It added: "The land on the application site offers little value for the neighbourhood as the public house is not a public asset as it was once due to changes in the economy and the community's needs.

"The garages on the site have little aesthetic value, the public house does not function as such anymore and is being used for a variety of other uses and is causing antisocial behaviour at times."

One Norwich Avenue resident, commenting on the plans, called for a site visit with the chance for nearby homeowners to have their say.

They raised concerns over loss of privacy at nearby homes, as well as over drainage and the design of the new homes.

The agent for the application, Architectural Design Partners Ltd, declined to comment on the story.

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