Skip to main content

This site uses cookies to make things simpler. Find out more about cookies

Red Lion Hotel Meeting 2018 Council Submission

Planning application 18/01103/FULL Change of use from a public house (ClassA4) to a residential dwelling (Class A3). Red Lion Hotel, Oakford

Planning application 18/01104/LBC Listed building consent for change of use from a public house (Class A4) to a residential dwelling ( Class 3). Red Lion Hotel, Oakford.

At a meeting held 22nd August 2018 the Oakford Parish Council voted to object to both the above.

The pub only ceased trading in October 2017 to the disappointment of many. It had been well supported in recent years and won the Mid Devon Gazette “Pub of the Year” both in 2014 &2015. The strength of support was evident by the number of people who turned out and the sincerity with which they addressed the public meeting on the Wednesday night.

The NPPF states in paragraph 7 that there are 3 dimmensions to any development one being a social role, “----and by creating a high quality built environment, with accessible local services that reflect the communities need and support its health, social and cultural well being”.

Even the Planning Statement under the Heritage Section states, “The Red Lion Hotel has high communal value – the value of this heritage asset is associated with a collected social meaning as a main gathering place for the community .

The Red Lion is considered the last remaining hub of the community apart from the church. There is no public transport available in the village, no alternative hostelries within a sensible walking distance and the terrain would deter all but the fittest cyclists. Many residents are unable to drive and relied on the Red Lion for socialising, casual and arranged. Many varied events have been held there -:

  • Monthly quiz nights and even winning an Inter Pub Quiz,( biggest turn out)
  • Charity nights – raising money for the PSPA and Devon Air Ambulance
  • Birthday & Anniversary parties
  • Shoot Dinners and associated official venues for meetings
  • Meeting place for the bell-ringers
  • Start & finish point for walkers. A leaflet was even produced of recommended walks
  • Well regarded restaurant – Sunday lunches and mid week specials, with much sourced from local producers

The applicant and the last leaseholder hold very different opinions as to the economics of the running the establishment and the number of patrons.   

Oakford Parish Council would like to keep the Red Lion Hotel as a public house with accommodation. Any change to residential will be a detriment to the existing community and of no financial benefit to local business or producers. It is essential to keep a central meeting point, especially for the elderly and those without a vehicle. 

 

Sandra Phillips, Clerk to Oakford Parish Council 29/8/18