Former village pub saved from house conversion

An appeal against rejected plans to convert a village pub into a family home has been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

Cherwell District Council rejected plans by the current owner James Day to convert the former Bell Inn, in Great Bourton near Banbury, last May.

Hook Norton Brewery sold the pub to its current owner in May 2024 and said that it was no longer commercially viable to keep it open.

James Day subsequently launched an appeal against the council's verdict on his plans, which was objected to by dozens of locals after more than 230 came out against the initial plans and launched the 'Save The Bell Inn' campaign.

In his appeal letter, Day said his proposals were fully justified, and that the reopening of the pub was not financially viable.

He also argued that the loss of a community facility would not cause significant economic or social harm to the north Oxfordshire village.

In a letter calling for the planning inspector to reject the appeal, Cherwell District Council previously wrote that Mr Day had "failed to satisfactorily demonstrate that the existing use could not be viable".

"The council considers that the public house has been an asset in the past and has potential to be an asset in the future," it added.

Day's appeal was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate on Monday following a hearing in January.

In his decision letter inspector Lewis Condé said: "Although patronage may have declined prior to its closure, this does not in my view, diminish its social importance; it is also likely that falling visitor numbers were significantly influenced by the way the pub was managed at that time.

"Although the future viability of a public house will inevitably depend on factors such as purchase price, available finance and the extent of any borrowing, the evidence before me does not sufficiently demonstrate that a community-run enterprise would be unviable."

Hook Norton Brewery has been approached for comment.

Councillor Chris Brant, who represents Great Bourton on both the district and county council, said the decision is "fantastic" and "sends a strong message about the value of those spaces in rural life".

He added: "This is a huge credit to the Save the Bell Inn Action Group and the many local residents who worked tirelessly to demonstrate just how important this pub is to the community.

"Their commitment, research, and determination showed that there is real local support and a viable future for the pub.

"I also want to recognise the excellent work of Cherwell District Council's planning team, who robustly defended the council's decision and the policies that protect vital village services like pubs.

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