Three Feathers Pub

News for Three Feathers:

• 21st February 2026

  Another Sheffield pub is set to disappear after redevelopment plans were given the go-ahead.
  
  Sheffield City Council has approved the demolition of the Three Feathers pub on Bowden Wood Crescent in Darnall. In its place, 25 flats will be built across two blocks, with parking for 32 cars.
  
  A report prepared by council officers ahead of the decision confirmed that the pub stopped trading in July 2024 after a period of financial unsustainability. Despite investment in refurbishment and two separate lease agreements, the business was unable to recover from reduced patronage and changing consumer habits following the pandemic.
  
  The report said the premises have remained vacant since closure, indicating that it is no longer viable as a community facility.
  
  Council officers also noted that other pubs are located within walking distance of the site, including the Half Moon on Mather Road, around 500 metres away.
  
  In recommending approval, officers stated: "The development would deliver economic, social and environmental benefits and, in particular, substantial housing delivery benefits. There are no adverse impacts which would significantly and demonstrably outweigh these benefits."
  
  The plans were submitted by Steven Johal, of Smaaj Ltd, through agents SW Architecture. They were approved this week.
  
  A Planning, Design and Access Statement submitted as part of the application revealed that a pre-application enquiry was sent to the council in October 2024, outlining proposals for the redevelopment of the Three Feathers site. A formal response was issued in December 2024.
  
  In documents supporting the scheme, the developer said the proposal would see the existing pub demolished and replaced with two apartment buildings. SW Architecture stated that the development would deliver "a wholly sustainable development" and would meet planning policy by contributing economically, socially and environmentally.
  
  The closure of the Three Feathers follows wider pressures facing the hospitality sector. Two years ago it was reported that Sheffield had lost 3.6 per cent of its bars and restaurants in the previous year amid rising energy, food and drink costs, as well as increases to the National Living Wage.

• 23rd October 2025

  Plans have been submitted to demolish the Three Feathers pub on Bowden Wood Crescent, Darnall, and replace it with housing. If approved, the redevelopment would see the site cleared to make way for 25 flats in two apartment blocks, along with parking for 32 cars.
  
  The application has been put forward by developer Steven Johal of Smaaj Ltd, through agents SW Architecture. Planning documents confirm that discussions with Sheffield Council have already taken place, following a pre-application enquiry submitted in October 2024. The council issued a formal response in December 2024.
  
  According to the council's feedback, the building itself is not considered to have particular visual merit and its demolition "can be supported in principle," provided that policy requirements on the loss of community facilities are met. Officials also said any application should include evidence that the pub is no longer a valued community asset.
  
  In response, SW Architecture stated that the pub "is currently empty and has sat empty since 2023 following the departure of the previous landlord." However, a statement made by a landlord in May 2024 indicated the Three Feathers would remain open until July 2024, raising questions about the venue's recent use.
  
  The planning agents added that "alternative facilities" exist nearby, pointing to the Half Moon pub on Mather Road, around 650 metres from the site.
  
  SW Architecture described the proposal as delivering "a wholly sustainable development," citing its potential to contribute economically, socially, and environmentally in line with planning policy.
  
  If approved, the plans would mark the end of a once-popular Darnall pub and another change to the city's shifting leisure landscape.