Battle over Henry Jenkins pub in Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, rages on as building is listed as community asset

Members of Save the Henry Jenkins Campaign Group have described the move as a “significant victory” and are pushing ahead with plans to launch a community bid for the vacant pub in Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon.

The five-year listing means owner David Fielder can no longer apply to transform the pub into offices under permitted development rights, and must notify Harrogate Borough Council if he decides to sell.

Earlier this year, Mr Fielder’s application to demolish the pub and build four houses on the site was rejected after more than 150 people signed a petition against it.

Richard Sadler, of Save the Henry Jenkins Campaign Group, said: “We are delighted that finally Harrogate Council has recognised the vital importance of this historic pub to the community - and its future potential.

“We believe the case for saving the Henry Jenkins is overwhelming - it is a much-loved local facility that has been at the hub of Kirkby Malzeard for more than 200 years.

“We will now be progressing plans for a possible community buyout. We are aiming to get everyone from the village and surrounding parishes involved and we are hoping for a successful outcome that will satisfy all parties.”

But Mr Fielder, who bought the Henry Jenkins in 2012 when it had been vacant for a year, said previous attempts to lease and sell the pub had generated very little interest.

He said he would happily consider a community buyout, but added: “They have had 4.5 years to do this and they haven’t done anything.

“If they come up with a realistic offer we will be mindful to accept it but we certainly won’t be offering any kind of discount.

“It is a business and a substantial amount of money has been invested into this pub and this is escalating all the time as they are constantly blocking us.”

Mr Fielder said he would seek a review of the ACV listing, highlighting how the first AVC nomination was refused earlier this year.

In the past campaigners have accused the owner of deliberately running down the pub to allow it to be redeveloped – a claim Mr Fielder denies.

Speaking to The Northern Echo in January, the businessman pointed out that of his portfolio of 12 pubs, seven had been bought when closed and all, with the exception of the Henry Jenkins, were now operating again successfully.

But campaigners maintain the pub only deteriorated and closed due to a fast turnover or landlords in its latter years.

They strongly believe - with the right management - it can reclaim its place as a much-loved community hub.

Mr Sadler said: “The pub was well-known for its food, attracting a lot of people from the village and a long way away too.

“It’s located right in the centre of the village and is a great family pub that supported all sorts of community activities - weddings, birthdays, funerals, parties - it was a real hub.”

Members of the campaign group have been touring other successful community pubs, including the George and Dragon in Hudwell, near Richmond, and the Foresters Arms, Carlton-in-Coverdale.

Mr Sadler said the teams running both pubs had offered to help.

They are also applying for grants from the Plunkett Foundation, a charity that helps communities to set up co-operatives to save what is important to them.

A public meeting will also be held in Kirkby Malzeard in September.

The Henry Jenkins is the last of several pubs which were named after a one-time thatcher, salmon fisherman and butler who died at the improbable old age of 169 in 1670, and is buried at Bolton-on-Swale.