At the end of January 2014, a fire broke out causing damage to the building. In September it was announced that there were plans to turn the building into ten apartments and two ground floor offices, although no planning applications were submitted at that time.

 

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It was confirmed in early March 2015 that the fire in January 2014 was the result of arson. Soon afterwards the apartments planning application was submitted to SMDC, by a company called Gough Investments.

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The heritage report submitted as part of the application, largely supported the information on this website, but unfortunately the researchers could also not establish which Royal Oak was referred to in some sources. Interestingly, they suggested that the Munton’s may have ran both establishments. This is a possibility, closer examination of newspaper reports may prove or disprove this theory. Trade directories almost always listed both pubs, making this theory unlikely – but information in the earlier directories could have been out dated.

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Despite some public objections and Cheadle Town Council not supporting the application, SMDC granted planning permission in October 2015.

While some work began on the building, involving the creation of two new windows to the rear of the building. The development stalled and it was rumoured the company had ran out of money. No further work was carried out and Gough Investment's planning lapsed, then the building was put on the market.

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As concerns over the building started to grow in the community, in March 2019 Team Cheadle attempted to get hotel companies interested in the building . As the need for hotel accommodation in Cheadle had been highlighted numerous times. However any responses received were negative, it was assumed the investment to return ratio was probably too much.

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In early June at a Team Cheadle meeting , it was proposed that the Royal Oak be looked at, as a potential community based project. As a result a few Team Cheadle members viewed the building a short time later. 

After failing to sell the building, Gough Investments submitted a new application for planning permission in October. This version of the plans, eliminated the office/commercial space on the ground floor. This change prompted a recommendation for refusal from Cheadle Town Council.

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In February 2020, a group called 'Friends of the Royal Oak' were officially formed as a constituted group and submitted an application to SMDC, to register the Royal Oak as an Asset of Community Value - this status was approved in April.

While the Gough Investment's planning decision was originally set to be made by SMDC in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the meeting. In the meantime the number of apartments in the plans were reduced. In May 2022, the planning application was turned down by SMDC.

 

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