Hopes are high that a popular village pub which has been empty and boarded up could be open again soon.

Villagers have been wondering what is planned for the Cock Inn on the village green at Combe.

One said: "There are no planning applications, and to all intents and purposes the building is just rotting away. 

"The gates are closed, the windows are boarded up and the building is empty."

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The pub shut its doors in the summer of 2022 and was purchased by a company owned by Sir Anthony Gallagher.

The billionaire property developer is building a small pub company as part of his business empire and is now a director of The Salford Inn near Chipping Norton, The Chequers at Churchill and The Plough at Kingham.

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Combe parish council said it had had no direct contact with Mr Gallagher or his representatives but it is their understanding that the owners are seeking pre-planning application advice from West Oxfordshire District Council.

It hopes that building work may start this summer.

Chairwoman Elena Softley said: "The Cock Inn is a Grade II-listed building which I am sure means that planning is not as straightforward as it otherwise might have been.

"The pub is also listed as an asset of community value and the village is very keen to see work start and to once again have a pub in the village.

"The parish council will continue to monitor the situation."

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West Oxfordshire District Council has yet to confirm this.

Mr Gallagher, founder and former chairman of Gallagher Estates and Gallagher Developments, hosted David Cameron's 50th birthday party at his home, Sarsden House, a Grade II listed 17th-century mansion near Chipping Norton.

Gallagher UK has been contacted.

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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