The Appeal against the Borough Council's decision to refuse the planning application at the Prince of Wales has just been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

Although the principle issues considered by the Inspector mainly relate to the historic aspects of the building he did take into account local representations made regarding the importance of the pub in the community and its ACV designation, which our branch was instrumental in having placed on it.

Perhaps you would be kind enough to thank all our members who objected to the application in the first place and made representations on the appeal, which clearly had some influence on this excellent outcome. A bit of good news in these dark days. The battle now shifts to The Oddfellows Arms (Website Coordinator: which is subject to an undecided planning application)

Chris Merriman - Pubs Protection Officer