By Brian Gleeson

THE JD Wetherspoon pub chain has submitted a formal planning application to change Guisborough's former council offices, once the Register Office and the Town Council Chambers, to a public house.

In addition to wanting a change of use, the plans include extensions and major alterations. The premises were the subject of public demonstrations against the sale of the building to Wetherspoons in 2013 when a proposal by Earthbeat of Saltburn to set up an arts centre and theatre was rejected by Redcar and Cleveland Council in favour of the proposed pub despite considerable opposition.

The present building is in an L shape with two storeys and Wetherspoons intend to change it into a rectangular shape. At the front of the building there is to be a raised terrace with storage space underneath. Summer opening doors will allow access on to this terrace. In between these summer doors will be the main entrance, accessed by stairs onto the raised area and into the pub.

The ground floor of the building will be used as the main bar and restaurant and the kitchens, office and toilets will be on the first floor. The present car parking area at the front of the building will be used as a beer garden and will also serve as a delivery bay.

Wetherspoons say that the proposed re-use of the building as a public house is acceptable as it would enhance the vitality and viability of Guisborough town centre by bringing back into use a building that has remained vacant for years and will add interest and variety to the conservation area.

Reaction in the town was mixed. Aron Colbert, licensee of the Three Fiddles pub in Westgate said, “We’ve got enough pubs in the town as it is now. I think it’s a hard trade and with Wetherspoon’s pricing, I think pubs that are tenanted will have to go back to the brewery. I don’t think it’s a good thing for those pubs and it will end up closing pubs in Guisborough. It will be difficult for us.”

However Karen Delaney licensee in the Kings Head pub opposite said, “Personally I think it would do the town pretty good. I think it will bring more trade in especially down that side of the town. I think it will generate a bit more trade for all of us. I’ve got good clientele, I’ve got all my regulars and I don’t think they’d move just for cheap drink and food.“

There will be a consultation period on the plans until June 5.