During 2016 volunteers from our ‘Save Our Pubs Group’ contributed to a number of campaigns to protect pubs across the Chilterns, either threatened with change of use or demolition and redevelopment.
A Retrospective planning application was submitted in April for changes to the Windmill PH in Charlton, Herts . An objection was lodged by the Chiltern Society and the application was unanimously rejected by the local Planning Committee.
The Chiltern Society supported the local community group both in writing and verbally at an appeal in May following the Council’s refusal to grant change of use for the White Lion at St Leonards, Bucks. In October the Government Inspector dismissed the appeal and the pub has subsequently been put up for sale.
A planning application to build bed and breakfast units and two houses on the site of the White Lion PH at Crays Pond near Goring was submitted in September. The Chiltern Society objected and in December the application was withdrawn. In addition South Oxon District Council won a case in court when the owner failed to comply to a previous order to vacate the premises . This resulted in a £1000 fine plus costs.
In December an objection was lodged against an application to demolish the Radcliffe Arms in Hitchin, Herts and build 4 flats and 3 houses on the site. There was also strong local opposition and the application has now been withdrawn by the owners.
The ‘Save Our Pubs’ Group will continue to support threatened pubs on a case by case basis and if you would like to join our group of volunteers then please contact the Society Office.
