THE latest bid to demolish the historic Raven Inn pub at Glazebury, Warrington, has been rejected by planners, much to the delight of local campaigners.
Warrington Borough Council planners have ruled that the latest planning application, to demolish the pub and replace it with a small housing development, as invalid.
Campaigners believe the applicant has not responded to the letter from Warrington Borough Council of 8th September, regarding incorrect information in the application. This was one of their substantive objections.
Peter Sturman from the save the Raven Inn campaign group said:“We are delighted with the recent decision. The reason behind this decision goes back to one of the substantive objections we made to the planning application.
This is a victory for our local community. There were many individual objections to the application.
“Our community has been resolute in their objections to the two planning applications. This goes back to January 2019.
“It is a testament to everyone within our community that the strength of feeling, energy and desire to save the Raven, is as strong now as it was well over two years ago.
“We do recognise that, whilst this is positive news, it is just one step along the way.
“It is a message to anyone who thinks about demolishing the Raven, that we will oppose them with everything we’ve got.
“We, again, say to the owners, we would love you to engage with us? There is an offer, on the table, which would realise a profit, on what was paid for a fully functioning pub business, set against the Raven as of now.
“As I’ve said, before, the funds are available. This could be a swift transaction”.
The site is currently occupied by a travellers encampment, after the owners gave permission for them to remain on the private land – although the site is unauthorised by the council.
Campaigners say the pub building has great historical value and are campaigning to take it over as a community asset, saying they have the funds available to buy it off the owners.
The proposed housing development
Travellers given temporary permission and toilets to stay on former Raven Inn car park
