Micropub and three-bedroom dwelling at Hare And Hounds, The Street, Northbourne

“The application site is located within the rural settlement of Northbourne on the northern side of The Street, within the centre of the settlement. The site is approximately 1190m2 and comprises a public house with a rear garden (the pub is currently closed). The pub was designated as an Asset of Community Value on 18 March 2025. The site is fairly level across the road frontage but rises towards the rear of the site.”

“The original building is two storeys in height and externally finished in render and brick. The roof comprises slate tiles. Flat roof extensions can be seen on the rear and side (s/s) of the building. Albeit it is difficult at the present time to appreciate its significance due to the site being largely obscured by the hoarding and a site office within the grounds at the front of the site. The site is located within Northbourne Conservation Area.”

“Large pubs cannot survive anymore. • Will bring the heritage asset into use and prevent decay. • More realistic and sustainable model. • It does not need to be a large area to support a community. • A small friendly pub is needed by the village. • Better to have an open and attractive pub, rather than loss it. • Better solution to the existing arrangement. • Its currently boarded up. • Fair balance of a family dwelling and public house. • Tidy up the village.”

“The applicant does not wish for the bar to succeed, • Risk to conversion to residential. • Loss of heritage value. • Loss of community facility. • Unsustainable location. • Precedent risk. • A house on the site was refused. • No attributes or benefits to the community. • Inadequate design for a micro – brewery. • The micropub has been designed with no windows for natural light and ventilation. • Drinks will be served at weekends & by prior arrangement.”

“The pub was a non-designated heritage asset and had also been designated as an Asset of Community Value in March 2025. It had been closed for two years following failed attempts to market it as a viable facility, and the condition of the building was slowly deteriorating. The proposal would see a reduction in the area of the building used as a public house (a micropub was proposed) and an increase in residential space, providing a substantial 3-bedroom dwelling.”

“The Chairman remarked that there was an emotional interest amongst the general population in retaining village pubs, but he stressed that Members should focus their minds on material planning considerations. Councillor Back noted that the application had received 55 letters of support and, in his view, the proposal was making the best use of the premises by creating a micropub.”

“RESOLVED: (a) That Application No DOV/ 25/00895 be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:”

“(xiv) Programme of building recording for archaeology purposes. (b) That powers be delegated to the Head of Planning and Development to settle any necessary planning conditions and legal agreements in line with the issues set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.”