Punch loses pub development bid
Campaigners fighting to save a village pub owned by Punch are claiming a famous victory after a planning inspector rejected proposals for a housing development on the site.
Developer Antler Homes lost its appeal against the refusal of planning permission by Bradford council for a housing scheme at the Wheatley Hotel, Ben Rhyd-ding, West Yorkshire, after a four-day inquiry last January.
Planning inspector Wenda Fabian ruled the proposals would harm the sustainability of the community in terms of the provision of local facilities and harm the character and appearance of the Ben Rhydding conservation area.
Villagers are now calling on Antler Homes and operator Punch Taverns to re-open the pub or sell the property to a brewer or pub operator.
The campaigners, who have been battling to save the pub for more than three years, say the fight will go on until the Wheatley opens its doors again. Spokesman Alan Drew said: "The decision not only affects Ben Rhydding but may also help many other local communities across the country facing the same problem."
Drew said he had written to Punch chief executive Giles Thorley demanding that the pub be re-opened or sold to a different operator.
Punch closed the pub without warning on 1 July 2002 claiming it was unviable, but the inquiry heard evidence from several parties, including a firm of trade consultants, who believe the business has a bright future.
The Wheatley is the last remaining pub in Ben Rhydding, a prosperous surburban village on the outskirts of Ilkley. Development land value of the pub and adjoining land is estimated at £1.25m.
The inquiry inspector said the strength of local feeling about the loss of the pub was clear and had continued despite its closure for three and a half years.
A Punch spokesman said: "As a business we remain totally committed to the development and protection of village pubs but they have to be able to generate suitable income for both the pub company and the licensee who chooses to invest in the lease."
