PLANS to demolish a popular Barnsley pub and then use the land to build a supermarket have been thrown out by the Planning Inspectorate.

Pub company Punch Partnerships were refused permission by Barnsley Council to demolish the Kings Head in Darton Lane, Mapplewell and replace it with a 4,000 sq feet Sainsbury's store following uproar from residents.

But it immediately appealed the decision to the Planning Inspectorate.

The Inspectorate's representative, Michael Moffoot, made a site visit last month and has dismissed the appeal and also refused an application submitted by Punch Partnerships for Barnsley Council to pay the costs of the hearing.

** The full story appears in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated January 9. **