Star Pubs & Bars closed the White Bull in Gisburn, Lancashire, last November to carry out an interior revamp ahead of the search for a new tenant. But Ribble Valley Borough Council rejected the application for the second time last month after claiming the designs are not sympathetic with the property’s Grade II-listed status. A previous refurbishment plan was rejected in February this year.
'Ludicrous'
Now Ribble Valley MP Evans has waded into the debate, claiming pubs are “central to the vibrancy of local communities” and it is a “ludicrous situation that buildings can be standing idle when there is a will within the community for them to be put to good use”.
Speaking to community pubs minister Brandon Lewis MP in the House of Commons last week, he said: “Will the minister encourage local authorities and brewers to work together to look for compromises in order to ensure that local communities have the very heart of the community — their local pub — reopened?”
Lewis urged Ribble Valley Borough Council to look at authorities such as Norfolk, which has announced a local scheme to help pubs stay open as a key part of the community.
Star Pubs & Bars said it will appeal the latest decision and submit further plans with some amendments, which is likely to delay progress by at least four months.
'Minor works'
A spokeswoman said: “We do not intend to change the look of the pub radically and so were surprised when further objections were given as the reason for refusing planning permission. We are acutely aware of the special status of this Grade II-listed building and have proposed a respectful and sensitive scheme of minor works.”
A Ribble Valley Borough Council spokesman said: “We recognise only too well the value of the White Bull to Gisburn and want to see it open for business as much as anyone else.
“We are doing all we can to help the applicant refurbish the pub in a manner that is sympathetic with its listed status and would like to assure Gisburn residents that we will treat this matter as a priority.”