Star Inn, Netherton, Morpeth, Northumberland

A rare example of a modest and largely unaltered Edwardian public house retaining much character together with a substantial range of adjoining stone outbuildings set in gardens and grounds extending to approximately 0.5 hectare (1.2 acres). The property is Grade II Listed and dates back to 1788 then extended significantly in 1902, situated in the centre of an attractive Upper Coquet Valley village. Subject to necessary consents the buildings have potential for conversion to provide letting rooms and/or restaurant facilities. The property is freehold, a free house, the only pub in Northumberland to appear in every Good Beer Guide for 40 consecutive years from 1974 to 2013 inclusively and will be sold with vacant possession.

The insistence on retaining the small public house in its existing use is justified by its status as a recognised heritage asset and the requirements of national planning policy. As a designated heritage asset, the building’s significance derives not only from its architectural and historic fabric but also from its long-standing function as a public house serving the local community.

Under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), decision-makers are required to give great weight to the conservation of heritage assets and to ensure that any harm to their significance is clearly and convincingly justified.