Warwickshire Village Rallies to Save Pub, Raises Over £8,000

People want to save their village pub. They have already raised over £8,000. The pub is the Fox and Hounds in Great Wolford. A dispute started again in December. Owners can now convert the pub into homes after a Planning Inspectorate appeal.

The decision surprised campaigners. They had celebrated a refusal last August. The council voted to save the 17th-century pub then. Over 60 supporters filled the council meeting.

The owners’ appeal succeeded this time. Residents from Great Wolford are fighting this decision, with help from people from nearby villages. The Wolfords Joint Parish Council is involved too, and they began a planning statutory review process.

They started an online fundraiser for this fight with a goal of £20,000. Earlier this week, they had £8,740. They challenge the Planning Inspectorate’s decision for two reasons.

The first reason is how they decided. The Planning Inspectorate used written procedures, but campaigners wanted a hearing. They feel a hearing better suits the public interest.

The second reason involves offers to buy the pub. People made two offers in March 2024. The inspector’s decision did not mention these offers.