Pub interior alterations at The Fox Inn, Middle Barton, Chipping Norton

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective listed building consent for opening an existing doorway and altering the inglenook fireplace.

“Internal alterations to include the opening up of existing doorway and works to the inglenook fireplace. (Retrospective).”

“Applicant Details: [name withheld] Duke Of Wellington Avenue Royal Arsenal London SE18 6SS”

Officer report

The building and its setting

The Fox Inn is a Grade II listed public house in the Bartons Conservation Area and is designated an Asset of Community Value.

“The Fox Inn is a grade II listed public House and is within the Bartons Conservation Area.”

“The Fox Inn is designated an Asset of Community Value.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and unauthorised works

The works had already been completed without listed building consent, alongside several other determined applications whose implementation was partly unclear.

“The works have already been completed without listed building consent.”

“The following are applications that have been determined, your Officers are unclear if the 2019 consents were implemented:”

Officer report

Why officers recommended refusal

Officers considered the works harmed the historic plan form and listed building, without clear justification or public benefits outweighing the harm.

“The Fox Inn has been listed for its special architectural and historic (illustrative and evidential) significance. It also has social significance in the community as a public house. Listed building consent is required by law for internal works to listed buildings because the internal layout and structure of a listed building are an essential part of the history of a building and changes must be carefully assessed to ensure the protection and conservation of important…”

“1 The proposed works by virtue of the loss of the inglenook fireplace, which is a characterful feature of the ground floor structure, and the dining room wall, both of which form significant parts of the historic plan form, obscures the historic plan-form in a manner that erodes the ability to understand and appreciate the historic interest of the buildings fabric, features, and character and do not conserve or enhance the significance of the listed building.”

Officer report

What residents said

One hundred and twenty-six letters supported reopening the pub, its community value, local employment and the completed works.

“- The pub has been closed for a long time and the village would benefit from the pub reopening; - The works have been carried out with care and consideration; - Opening up the dining room will make it more appealing and easier to move around; - It will be good for local employment; - The Fox is a valued community facility, and ensuring the building remains safe, functional and economically viable aligns with policy E5, which supports the retention and enhancement of rural…”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A parish representative and two supporters spoke in favour, citing the pub’s community benefits, employment, layout and local support.

What members discussed

Members discussed whether the doorway harm could be reduced, the fireplace’s changes, listed-building protection, pub viability and community support.

“Councillor Steve Ferrelly representing West Barton Parish, spoke in support of the application and raised the following points: the benefits of having a public house in the village; the revised internal layout created a better space for the customers opening up the connectivity of the bar and restaurant; the fireplace was still a main feature of the building and the alterations had not altered the character of the building.”

“The officer confirmed that the statutory consultees had considered that there was harm to the building however Historic England had suggested that the widening of the doorway could have been acceptable if it was amended to a lesser extent. • The fireplace was still functioning, but the wood-burner had been removed. The original design of the Inglenook fireplace was enclosed on three sides however the back of the fireplace had been removed to open up to the snug room behind.”

Minutes