A plan to convert a closed Oxfordshire pub into three homes divides local opinion, with concerns over pub closures.
This is the second such request recently. Someone wants to change The Bell Inn, too, in Great Bourton. That plan faces strong objection, with over 200 people objecting.
The Fox and Hounds shut down in January 2020. A “for sale” sign went up in May 2022. Past plans to make it a furniture shop failed.
The council got one objection and one supporting letter. Mark Rowan objects, saying too many pubs close and one pub owner ignores the rules. He thinks the Fox and Hounds was doing well and blames “greed” for this housing plan.
Caroline Ryan supports it. She lives across from the pub and thinks it looks bad now. Turning it into homes would be great, she says, and she wants better speed limit enforcement too.
The plan says the pub is an eyesore now and needs repairs. The homes would help the area and the location is good. It won’t hurt the roads or wildlife.
The plan claims no real harm exists, but the new housing is a big benefit. Therefore, the council should approve it.