WHORLTON parish councillors are opposing a bid to convert part of the village’s only pub into a home because they are considering buying it for the community.
Fernaville’s Rest closed earlier this year after customers stopped coming because of the closure of Whorlton Bridge for repairs. This prompted owner Ivan Carter Becker to apply for a change of use of the annexe which was used as a dining room.
In his application Mr Becker Carter said the conversion of the annexe to a residential dwelling would make the pub more viable.
But some 40 people attended the parish council’s meeting in October to raise concerns about the plan.
In a subsequent objection to the proposal parish clerk Jonathan Dickinson also called for county officers to list Fernaville’s Rest as an asset of community value, giving people in the village
six months to put in an
offer should it go on the market.
However, the owner would not be forced to accept any bid.
Mr Dickinson said: “There was in attendance at our meeting not only the council members, but an unusually large public gallery, who had their opportunity to speak at the start.
“There was not a single voice in support of the application, and there were many against it.
“The annexe has proved tremendously versatile over the years, whilst always supporting Whorlton pub.
“The assumption at present is that it can be used for restaurant space again.
“But a future tenant of the pub may find a better use for it, or one that generates even more turnover and profit than serving meals.”
He added: “Whorlton pub needs to be supported, as pubs struggle to survive in modern trading conditions.
“The unfortunate trend of closing village pubs may be caused by the fact that the building has greater value for its residential potential than as a commercial venture serving the community, leading to unreasonable rental levels sought by landlords resulting in an eventual closure of the business.”
However, the owner is currently advertising for a new tenant for the pub.
