Bid to brand The Great Shefford pub a ‘community asset’ is refused

A BID to make a village pub an Asset of Community Value (ACV) has been rejected.

The application was made by Great Shefford Parish Council in respect of the eponymous watering hole, formerly known as The Swan.

Once listed as ACVs with the local authority, the local community would be informed if premises are listed for sale within the five year listing period.

The community can then enact the Community Right to Bid, which gives them a moratorium period of six months to determine if they can raise the finance to purchase the asset.

This was the first step, for example, in the successful purchase of The Tally Ho community pub in Hungerford Newtown by a villagers’ consortium in 2013.

However, in the case of The Great Shefford, this has been unsuccessful.

West Berkshire Council ACV listing panel conceded that “the application highlights a number of community events, including barbecues, quiz nights, Morris dancing performances, live music events, Christmas tree decorations/carols, charity evenings, and screening of sporting events, which were verified by looking at the social media accounts for the pub.”

However, it added, “there is no supporting evidence to demonstrate that these events furthered the social wellbeing or social interest of the local community.

“There are no letters of support from local residents or community groups, and no indication of community attendance at these events.”

The panel concluded: “On balance, the panel does not feel that enough evidence has been provided with this nomination to warrant an ACV listing.”

Although the decision cannot be appealed by the parish council, a fresh application can be submitted, providing it contains additional information not provided in the original nomination.

A petition to wind up the company, J and G (Pubs) (UK) Ltd, whose registered office is listed as The Great Shefford, was brought by creditors HM Revenue and Customs last year and the pub has remained closed ever since.

The Great Shefford freehold is currently still being advertised at £650,000, excluding fixtures and fittings, plus VAT.