Planners applauded as pub conversion plans refused

The Bell Inn - as it stood in 2023 - was sold by Hook Norton Brewery last year

A decision to refuse permission for a disused pub to be converted into homes has been applauded at a council meeting.

The former Bell Inn in Great Bourton, Oxfordshire, was previously owned by the Hook Norton Brewery, but it sold it to its current owner in May 2024.

The brewery said the building had no commercial future as a pub and its current owner stripped it of its pub fixtures, but 239 people opposed changing its use.

Cherwell District Council's planning committee was applauded by members of the public after it unanimously dismissed the change of use application for the site, near Banbury.

Chris Brant, district councillor for Cropredy, Sibfords and Wroxton, said the pub had been the "beating heart" of Great Bourton.

He said the community was "denied a fair opportunity to act" against its sale and that the planning application had caused "deep concern" and "united residents" against it.

An action group to save the pub was set up, which told the council that it believes the building, in Manor Road, is potentially financially viable as a pub again.

The Save The Bell Inn Group told Cherwell Council on Thursday that it believes it could "thrive as a profitable concern if allowed to continue as a public house".