A MAJOR row has erupted over plans to turn a disused pub into a holiday centre.

Residents in Dunford Bridge say a scheme to develop the old Stanhope Arms is ‘preposterous over-development’.

And they claim a raft of letters in support of the application came mainly from well outside the area and bore no detailed knowledge of the situation.

Dunford Bridge sheep farmer Sam Sykes is also angry that local people seemed to be in the dark about the plans.

He now intends to speak out against the project when it comes before Peak District planners next month.

Others, though, have welcomed the idea.

Mr Sykes, whose farm is 100 yards from the site, hit out after news of the scheme became public. The owners of the Stanhope Arms want to create a centre for holidaymakers, bed and breakfast accommodation, a cafe and camping facilities. Some of the elements would involve construction of new buildings, some more than one storey.

The farmer said the 170-year-old former shooting lodge is very important to the area. “For decades it provided accommodation, food and drink,” he said. “About 15 years ago, the last landlord left and the woman who bought it tried to turn it into something more urbane.

“It was totally wrong for the site. Far too fancy and it bombed.”

The building was used as a lodging house after that but has now been empty for about 10 years.

“Everyone wants to see it brought back to life,” said Mr Sykes.

He said initially, locals supported the owners’ plans to make something of the two-acre site.

“When they talked about a b and b, cafe and camping we all said ‘good’. We had no objections. But now they want to substantially extend and develop with other aspects to the business. It is nonsense.

“The cafe they plan is far too big for this area and there are adequate such facilities within the existing footprint. A two-storey garage is completely unnecessary and would change the whole nature of this historic building.”

In their planning application, Greenspace Architects say changes would mainly be internal and that extensions occupy existing footprints or infill redundant space. The overall appearance would be enhanced, they say.

“We consider the Stanhope Arms to have limited to no potential to meet no discernable need,” says the application. “This pub has been unable to draw the kind of footfall required to sustain it as a going concern, despite efforts to expand its appeal.”

The application was discussed in detail at the last meeting of Dunford parish council, at which members decided to formally back the scheme.

Coun Pestell said: “We feel that although a big development, this is something that is needed in Dunford.

“We think the applicants are on a good wicket and we are with them all the way.”

Along with six others, Mr Sykes has lodged a formal objection and intends to speak at the planning meeting when the scheme is considered.

“We are not against promoting tourism. We are all for b and b, camping and a cafe. But as things stand, this represents over-development,” he said.

He is also angry that he and his wife, Sue, only found out about the plans when their neighbours received a letter from the Peak Planning Authority.

“It would be interesting to know how more than 30 people from places as far away as Cornwall and Dorset knew early enough to send letters of support ahead of the end of consultation.”