PLANS: Owner Peter Wilkinson outside the Raddle Inn.

PLANS to build holiday homes and a 'well-being' centre at a pub have been thrown out by councillors.

Proposals by the Raddle Inn pub in Hollington to build three lodges, three wigwams and a health spa-style centre including a shop and gym facilities, were rejected by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

The committee decided at a planning meeting that the proposed amenities were 'not sustainable' for the village.

Three rooms for yoga and aerobics, would have been provided as part of the development, and four more jobs would have been created with the pub currently employing 27 staff.

Disappointed Raddle Inn landlord Peter Wilkinson said he was trying to help his pub expand and survive, and added that he plans to fight the decision.

He said: "With rural pubs across the country struggling, the village pub needs to diversify to survive for future generations.

"I can't satisfy the demand at the moment. I also wanted those rooms to be used for exercising, physiotherapy and Zumba but I can't do it without the extra lodges.

"I will carry on fighting because I believe it's the way forward," he added. "I will discuss it with my planner and may appeal and it may go to a public inquiry.

"Our Government preaches sustaining small communities but I don't think that's got through to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council yet.

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