Sixteenth Century pub saved from developers
The Volunteer is on designated Green Belt land
At a glance
The Volunteer pub in Sutton Abinger has been saved from developers
An application to transform the site into houses and holiday let pods was rejected by local councillors.
A campaign had been launched to save the pub
- Published
A 16th Century pub has been saved from developers following a community campaign.
Developers had planned to convert The Volunteer pub in Sutton Abinger into houses and holiday let pods but the proposals were rejected by local councillors.
Paul Clever, who was part of a community campaign which raised £600,000 in a failed attempt to purchase the pub and save it, said: "The Volunteer is viable and very precious to its community."
Those backing the plans said "diversification" was needed to ensure The Volunteer had a future.
In November 2022 the pub was listed as an Asset of Community Value
The pub sits on the western side of Water Lane within the hamlet of Sutton Abinger, close to Guildford.
The site is on designated Green Belt land, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an Area of Great Landscape Value.
The plans were voted down eight to six by councillors at Mole Valley Borough Council.
Simon Best, who was speaking for the application, told the council meeting the plans were the best way of bringing the pub back in use.
He said: “Change is not always a bad thing and it is clear from previous failures that diversification is needed to ensure The Volunteer can run as a viable entity."
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