Village pub to be converted into writer's retreat

The planned retreat at The Kings Arms in Beal would see writing workshops, meals and sleeping accommodation for guests

A traditional village pub is set to be converted into a writer's retreat, bed and breakfast and an events venue.

North Yorkshire councillors retrospectively approved changes to The Kings Arms in Beal, a village between Selby and Pontefract, on 1 May.

Some residents had concerns over noise and the blocking of a public right of way, with one claiming there had been "a flagrant disregard" for planning rules.

However, the applicants said they had been “extremely respectful" to residents since opening in March last year, making a “minimum of noise”.

'Messy' application

The bed and breakfast would have six guestrooms available for members of the public to book and a member of staff on-site 24/7 when occupied.

The Writer’s Retreats were scheduled throughout the year and varied in length from three to six days.

Writing workshops, meals and sleeping accommodation for guests during their stay woud also be provided.

Council officers said the site would continue to be controlled by the pub’s licence, allowing for the sale of alcohol and entertainment to be put on within set hours.

Members of a planning committee on North Yorkshire Council approved the plans, despite some councillors saying the application was "messy".

'A local asset'

A petition against the conversion was signed 138 time and nearly 150 letters sent to the council, with 51 in support and 97 objecting.

In a statement to the meeting, the applicants said they had been “extremely respectful to local residents” since opening and there had been no complaints to environmental health.

The statement added: “The property remains a local asset that remains available for the community of Beal and beyond, to book for celebrations in the same way they could under previous ownership with the added benefit that the property is available for their sole use.”

But one resident said: "They have, from the beginning of this process, consistently shown a flagrant disregard for all necessary legislation and a complete disrespect for the local community."