People power wins in bid to save village pub from becoming a house
10/03/2026
The Planning Inspector felt it had not been proven the pub was no longer viable
A planning appeal against a decision to refuse permission to convert The Bell Inn in Great Bourton into a private home has been rejected by a government planning inspector.
Owner James Day had sought permission to change the use of the historic pub into a single dwelling. Cherwell District Council’s officers recommended the change be accepted, but councillors on the planning committee went against the recommendation and refused the proposal.
Following an appeal hearing in January, Planning Inspector Lewis Condé dismissed the appeal, ruling that it had not been proven the pub was no longer viable in the long term.
The inspector acknowledged evidence suggesting the pub may not be attractive to a commercial operator. However, he concluded there was insufficient proof that it could not succeed under a different model, such as community ownership. A business plan prepared by the Save The Bell Inn Group indicated the venue could potentially operate successfully as a community-run pub.
The decision also highlighted the building’s status as an Asset of Community Value and the importance of pubs as local services in rural communities.
Although the proposed conversion would have created a family home and contributed modestly to housing supply, the inspector ruled that the loss of the village pub would conflict with local planning policies aimed at protecting community facilities.
As a result the appeal was formally dismissed.
In a statement published on their website the Save The Bell Inn group said: “We remain hopeful that common sense will now prevail and that Mr Day will engage with the village on the future of The Bell Inn.
“In the meantime [Save The Bell Inn Group] will continue to make plans, and we will keep you all informed of any next steps.
“The road to community pub ownership is rarely short or without bumps. But we are on it!”
Local Councillor Chris Brant added: “Huge credit must go to the Save the Bell Inn Action Group and the many local residents who worked tirelessly to demonstrate just how important this pub is to the community. Their commitment, research and determination showed clearly that there is strong local support and a viable future for the pub.
“I was very pleased to work closely with the action group throughout this process, supporting their efforts and helping ensure the strength of the community’s case was properly heard.
“I also want to recognise the excellent work of Cherwell District Council’s planning team, who robustly defended the council’s decision and the policies that protect vital village services like pubs.
“It is relatively rare for planning appeals to hinge so clearly on the voices of local communities, so it is particularly encouraging to see the Planning Inspector give such weight to the strength of feeling and evidence put forward by residents.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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