Frequently asked Questions

How do I make a comment or objection to the planning application?

The window for comments has now closed, but you can still keep up to date with the application status by visting the Planning Portal Here

Why did the group wait until the pub was sold to take action?

As with most people in the community we thought that the Bell was being sold as a pub and that a new owner would re-open it as a pub. Indeed the Parish Council was assured by Hook Norton Brewery that it was selling The Bell as a pub and that we would be notified if there was an indication that a new buyer was not going to re-open it. We took this on good faith and were all excited when we heard that the pub had been sold. When it became apparent that work had begun to change the Pub into a dwelling the public meeting was called and the group was formed.

The building work on the pub is well underway, will this mean that the council will just grant permission in retrospect?

In several consultations with the planning department and building control the group have been assured that the owner is fully aware that any work he undertakes in changing the use of the pub prior to planning permission is entirely at his own risk and this will not influence any decision. There are precidents set elsewhere where over eager developers have had to reverse changes made to pubs when planning was refused.

Are we just being mean to a man who just wants to move into our village?

We are a very welcoming community to new residents moving into existing dwellings or legitimate new developments with planning permission. However we do know that this individual has a track record of buying pubs, developing them into housing and selling them on for a profit. There are several houses available to buy if he wants to join our community, but he has chosen to buy and develop our pub. This not personal its simply ensuring that due planning process is followed to save a key hub of our community.

Wouldn’t The Bell still be open if people valued it and used it?

Over the past 10 years The Bell has had a pattern of short term tennancy, with tennants experiencing a good first year then struggling in subsequent years in part due to the punitive rent increases and inflated beer prices charged by Hook Norton Brewery. This revolving door of tennants meant that it was difficult for The Bell to appeal to a wider group of customers in the long term within the community. If the service offering or calibre of the tennants does not meet customer needs or expectations then it is inevitable that the business will deteriorate fiancially.

What will be different if it The Bell re-opens?

The difference is that it will be able to operate as a free house and not be subject to excessive rent and will enable a new tenant to shop around for the best beer, wine and food prices. As a community owned pub the community will have vested interest in its success and be able to ensure that any new tenant and their business model meets the needs to the community and is sustainable. Accoding to figures from CAMRA 100% of pubs that have been bought and run as community pubs have been successful and are still in business.

Is it too late to save The Bell?

No - but we need to ensure the planning application is rejected and we need as much support as possible. The public planning meeting will be the next opportunity for you to show your support and we will keep you informed when the date is confirmed.

What happens next if the planning application is refused?

The developer can appeal but if this is rejected the village can approach him to buy the pub and run it as a community owned business, just like The Yew Tree in Avon Dassett. The Plunkett Foundation has lots of great information about how to do this, how to raise the funds, and the different models that are available.