Plans to convert former Smithy Manor pub into offices submitted

Located on the edge of the old Sutton Manor coalfields, the Smithy Manor pub opened on Jubits Lane in the late 1980s after previously being known as the Sutton Manor Institute.

Although the Sutton coalfields became the location for Jaume Plensa’s 20-metre Dream structure in 2009, the fortunes of the once-popular public house did not change and it shut for good in 2015.

After numerous attempts have failed to redevelop the site, which has been described as an "eyesore" by residents, land owner David Shwenn has now put forward new plans to change the use of the former Smithy Manor.

READ > Man arrested after 'meat cleaver' allegedly brandished in 'road rage incident'

New proposals for Smithy Manor Site

The former public house has been derelict since 2015 (Image: St Helens Star)

In planning documents validated by St Helens Council on Monday, April 3, the proposals would see the former public house transformed into a number of ground floor office units, with a canteen area to serve the office accommodation.

The first floor would be developed into a function room for conference areas, the plans state, while the erection of 2.7 metre entrance gates is also included in the documents.

A decision should be made on the development by July 3.

Previous failed applications 

Previous applications have failed to transform the use of the site (Image: St Helens Star)

While the Smithy Manor has been left to ruin over the past eight years, Mr Shwenn proposed to transform the site into offices and five-a-side football pitches in 2019 and housing proposals in 2016.

These proposals were both declined, however, with the latter failing due to issues with building on the area's green belt. Mr Shwenn also says he has rejected private housing proposals as they would not benefit the local community.

Mr Shwenn also said that he has struggled to sell the land due to a clawback clause that is in place from the Government's Coal Authority. This was put in place when the site previously changed hands as it is located on former coalfields.

If the use of the site changes and increases in value, this means that 50% of its future sale will go back to the taxpayer.

Landowner 'wants to see the site regenerated'

The site has been a constant location of fly tipping over the years (Image: St Helens Star)

While residents have complained about the dilapidated state of the Smithy Manor, Mr Shwenn agrees with these concerns and said he “wants to see it regenerated” for the good of the community - but added that the plans must work for him financially.

With the pub “running at a loss”, Mr Shwenn says that since shutting the site in 2015, he has spent more than £15k installing fencing due to “constant” fly-tipping.

In a previous conversation with the Star, Mr Shwenn said: "From day one, I’ve tried my best to plough money into the Smithy Manor and make improvements to it.

“I grew up on a council estate and I have family living in the area, so I do want to see the site regenerated and do something good for the community, but also to not bankrupt myself.

“I’m a personal businessman, not a developer, so I want help from the local authority and the coal board.

“I’ve ploughed my whole life savings into this so I do want to see it regenerated and I’m more than happy to work with them.”

Mr Shwenn said he wants to see site redeveloped for the good of the community (Image: St Helens Star)