OUR CAMPAIGN
SO FAR
White Lion listed as an Asset of Community Vale (ACV) following a successful request by the Aldershot Civic Society (ACS).
Rushmoor Borough Council (RBC) notified ACS of the owners intention to sell the pub. This initiated the ACV process whereby ACS had 6 weeks to make a request to be treated as a potential bidder.
ACS submitted request to RBC to be treated as a bidder meaning that the owner could not sell the pub for 6 months, other than to the community group.
Public meeting at the White Lion attended by 80+ persons and addressed by Mark Dodds an expert on community pub ownership.
Second public meeting at the White Lion to elect a steering group Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
Campaign Group joined the Plunkett Foundation Community Pubs Group
White Lion closes in line with Government requirements in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Formal registration of Aldershot Community Pub Limited (ACPL) as a Community Benefit Society. A Community Group established to save the White Lion
Formal offer of £275,000 made by ACPL for the purchase of the White Lion
Plunkett Foundation awards ACPL a £2,500 bursary.
ACPL offer rejected as it was made conditional on the government removing social distancing.
Confirmation White Lion was ‘Under Offer’ to be sold to another party whose identity and bid value are unknown.
White Lion sold to Sbj Properties for £261,000.
The nature of Sbj Properties business is identified as “68209 - Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate
Planning application submitted by new owners to Rushmoor Borough Council to convert the White Lion into four flats.
RBC refused planning permission because there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that there is no longer term need for the pub.
Planning application submitted to Rushmoor Borough Council to convert the White Lion into two upper floor flats while supposedly retaining the option for the pub to run as a bar downstairs.
ACPL campaign to oppose the application goes into full gear!
Meanwhile the White Lion remains closed, and the owners have ignored all attempts to engage with ACPL.
We have been notified that the owner of the property has appealed the first planning application refusal.
ACPL are in the process of organising a response to fight the appeal.
Several of the committee attended Aldershot's Victoria Day and around a total of 900 campaign leaflets were left with various stall holders, and a Local Ward Councillor from each of the two wards associated with The White Lion (Aldershot Park and North Town)
ACPL submitted our representation objecting to the owner’s appeal against planning refusal for the first planning application for four flats (deadline 14th June).