Issue - meetings

252087 - THE WHEELWRIGHTS, PENCOMBE, HEREFORDSHIRE, HR7 4RN

 

 

Meeting: 19/11/2025 - Planning and Regulatory Committee (Item 45)

45 252087 - THE WHEELWRIGHTS, PENCOMBE, HEREFORDSHIRE, HR7 4RN pdf icon PDF 852 KB

Proposed change of use from a public house (Sui Generis) to a dwellinghouse (Class C3).

Decision:

Application refused in accordance with the case officer’s application.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Bruce Baker acted as the local ward member for the application below.

 

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Burge, spoke on behalf of Pencombe Parish Council, and Mr Haslam and Mr Lewis spoke in objection to the application.

 

In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, he explained that the application had generated a significant number of objections and the public house was viewed as an important element of the local community. It was unfortunate that the community benefit society had agreed a price for the purchase of the pub which had been subject to an increase. The asking price for the pub was felt to be above inflation and above market value and the committee were asked to decline the application.

 

The committee debated the application. It was considered that the village pub was the heart of the community and such community assets were vital to the health of local communities in rural areas. It was noted that there were a number of local customers and the pub was felt to be a viable commercial enterprise.

 

Councillor Stef Simmon proposed and Councillor Peter Hamblin seconded a motion that the application be refused in accordance with the case officer's recommendation. The motion was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.

 

 RESOLVED:

 

That planning permission be refused for the following reasons:

 

  1.  

The proposal would result in the loss of a public house which is a valued community facility. Insufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that that there is an appropriate alternative facility available, that the facility is no longer required, unviable, or no longer fit for purpose, and that adequate marketing of the property at a realistic price has been carried out. As such, the proposal is contrary to Policy SC1 and RA6 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy, and Paragraph 88, 96, and 98 of the National Planning Policy Framework.