Villagers celebrate pub conversion plan refusal

Elisa Hargreaves said the decision was "positive news"

Campaigners have welcomed the refusal of plans to convert a village pub into housing as they continue their bid to retain it.

The owner of The Bridge Inn, in Whorlton, which has been closed since 2023, wanted to turn it into a house but saw a proposal refused by Durham County Council.

Members of the Whorlton Community Benefit Society rallied together earlier this year to try to save the pub, raising more than £200,000 in the hope of turning it into an asset of community value.

The local authority said the owner had failed to show that the pub was no longer viable, which was disputed by the applicant, Ivan Carter-Becker.

The Grade II listed building, which dates back to the early 1800s, remains on the market with a price tag of £350,000, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Significant economic challenges'

Elisa Hargreaves, who is part of the group opposing the plans, said it was "fantastic, positive news".

"We still have a long road ahead of us, and there is still lots of work to do," she said.

"We are hoping this latest news will spur more people to join us."

Campaigners have been supported in their opposition to the planning application by parish councillors and the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

"I don't think anybody can fully underestimate how important it is. It's about having a place for people to gather and socialise," Ms Hargreaves said.

"We have a lot of new residents in the villages, so it's a great place for them to meet people."

The property was still available for sale, representatives speaking on behalf of Mr Carter-Becker confirmed.

"Due to the significant economic changes and challenges faced since 2019, The Bridge Inn is no longer viable as a business and is likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future," they said.