The Farmer's Arms Shadforth told to take down outdoor dining huts

Colin Curran spent a small fortune erecting the colourful huts at his pub The Farmer's Arms shortly after lockdown was imposed in 2020.

The pub owner spent £16,000 renovating the beer garden at his boozer in Shadforth, County Durham to be able to welcome back customers within the new Covid guidelines.

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But almost three years on Colin faces the prospect of tearing down the huts after relaxed planning rules during Covid were rolled back and hit out at Durham County Council who he says should be supporting small businesses.

Mr Curran, 38, said: “There’s a small minority in the village trying to get the sheds taken down, it would have a detrimental impact on the business.

Colin Curran in one of his dining huts at The Farmers Arms in Shadforth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“We would lose income and have to reduce our staffing numbers. With the current rising costs and so many hospitality businesses closing the council should be supporting them.

“They’re a big asset to us. Some older and vulnerable customers only feel safe coming out and using the sheds. People with autism come and use them as they feel like it’s a safe space.

“We have local businesses and craftsmen come down and use them for markets too.

The Farmer's Arms, Shadforth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“When we put them up in Covid the beer garden renovation cost us £16,000. We followed all of the guidance at the time to make it a safe space for vulnerable people.

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“Now the council want us to tear them down after the rules changed back.”

The pub is now locked in a planning battle having submitted a retrospective planning application to allow the five beach huts to remain In what was part of the carpark.

But some angry residents have submitted objections to the plans. One claimed the noise from the beer garden has been “intolerable”, forcing them to “shut windows because of loud live music and loud intoxicated customers shouting and swearing till very late at night.”

The Farmer's Arms dining huts (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

While others complained that the lack of parking at the pub meant cars are now parking on the streets leaving residents with “nowhere to park”.

But Colin claims the huts are mainly used by diners and families, saying: “They’re a nuisance to no one.”

Stephen Reed, Durham County Council’s planning development manager, told The Northern Echo: “A decision has yet to be made regarding this application. In line with the standard planning process, careful consideration will be given to all feedback received before a final decision is reached.”

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