Let’s save The Bell.
The Bell isn’t just a pub—it’s a cornerstone of our community. It’s where neighbours meet, milestones are celebrated, and the everyday feels special.
A developer wanted to take that away, but our community refused to give in.
9th MARCH 2026 APPEAL DISMISSED!
APPEAL DISMISSED
Thank you to everyone who has supported our campaign.
On 9th March 2026, the Planning Inspectorate dismissed the appeal for change of use of The Bell Inn to a dwelling.
The full appeal decision can be found here and it is evident that the support from our community was a significant factor in that decision.
We remain hopeful that common sense will now prevail and that Mr Day will engage with the village on the future of The Bell Inn.
In the meantime STBIG will continue to make plans, and we will keep you all informed of any next steps.
The road to community pub ownership is rarely short or without bumps. But we are on it!
Please Donate to our GoFundMe Campaign
DUE TO AN ADMIN ISSUE OUR GO FUND ME ACCOUNT HAS REFUNDED ALL DONATIONS SO FAR, PLEASE BEAR WITH US WHILE WE TRY TO SORT THIS OUT. ONCE THIS IS DONE IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR PEOPLE TO RE-DONATE. APOLOGIES FOR THE INCONVENINCE AND WE WILL LET YOU KNOW ONCE ITS FIXED.
To-date the campaign has been self-funded by STBIG volunteers, however as we try to set up negotiations with the owner and before we can formally set up a community benefit society to raise funds to purchase the pub, we recognise that we do need to raise a modest 'fighting' fund to cover anticipated costs such as:
Independent property valuation
Legal costs in setting up the community benefit society
Creation of a community share offer prospectus
Click Here to Donate
What does ACV status mean and how can it help?
STBIG and The Parish Council have successfully defended the pub's Asset of Community Value ('ACV') status against the developer's recent appeal.
Whilst extremely helpful in our efforts to object to the application the ACV status does not automatically mean that the application will be refused.
Under the terms of the legislation, registration as an asset of community value covers three aspects:
Material planning consideration: although not part of the enacted legislation, the ACV status may be a material consideration in a planning application and may be used by the local planning authority and Planning Inspectorate as a factor in refusing planning permission for full or partial change of use or demolition. The government guidance document Community Right to Bid: Non-statutory advice note for local authorities supported by Don Foster MP introduced this right, however under the provision that it is open to the local planning authority to decide whether listing as an asset of community value is a material consideration if an application for change of use is submitted, considering all the circumstances of the case.
Community right to bid: a moratorium imposes a pause on a sale for up to six months to allow the local community a chance to raise funds and submit an offer to purchase the property. The owner however is under no obligation to accept the offer or for the community to be treated as a preferential bidder.
Compulsory purchase rights: an ACV-registered building can be compulsorily purchased by the local authority or council "if the asset is under threat of long-term loss to the community".