The Planning Inspector considered the appeal from the owners of the White Lion against Rushmoor Borough Council’s decision to refuse permission to convert the pub to flats has dismissed the appeal.

The Appeal Decision is well laid out and can be read in full here.

Paragraphs 3 to 9 of the decision relate to the need and viability of the White Lion as a pub where the Inspector says:

“I have considered the contribution this proposal would make to the supply and mix of housing in the area. However, given the scale of the development, this benefit would be moderate…… The positive benefits of the scheme would not outweigh the social harm arising from the loss of the public house and the significant adverse effect upon the integrity of the SPA. “

Intriguingly the pub was briefly publicised as available to rent for £36,000 but was removed from the agents Website after about a week; there is no indication as to why that might be or whether it was a genuine offer.

The Aldershot Community Pub Group are still looking to raise funds for the purchase of the pub, With sufficient community support it is feasible if they can take advantage of current government schemes intended to assist this type of purchase. However, the key point here is with sufficient community support. If this is going to become a reality then the Group needs more people prepared to become actively involved. Whilst people are supportive, no one has come forward to offer the level of commitment to the campaign that is needed to drive it forward.