Rejected plan for Oxfordshire village pub to become homes

South Oxfordshire district councillors voted unanimously against approving plans to change the use of the Horse and Harrow in West Hagbourne near Didcot.

Plans had been tabled to convert the boozer into homes on adjacent land, due to it no longer being "economically viable".

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But councillors went against officers recommendations to grant planning permission to refuse the application on Wednesday evening. 

Tim Bearder, who represents the Forest Hill and Holton ward, said: "It's a crazy system that there has been an appeal against the previous refusal and we haven't heard that.

"We previously said we don't think this is non-viable and now we are being asked to change our mind."

But a council officer said: "There has been a sharp decline in use of the pub.

West Hagbourne. (Image: Google Maps.)

"It is no longer economically viable.

"A lot of competition has made it difficult for a pub in a small village."

West Hagbourne Parish Council came out to speak against the application.

Objector Sheila Taylor said: "I am shocked by the argument the Horse and Harrow is not a community facility.

"I believe it is an essential community facility."

A viability study by estate company Savills from October 2022 found the pub was “unviable” as a business.

It added: “There are better located venues with superior facilities within close proximity.”

Objectors conceded the pub had become an "unwelcome" place but blamed this on the current landlords.