DEVASTATED campaigners who hoped to take over a pub and turn it into a community hub say they have been badly let down by planning officers who have given the go-ahead to convert the building into a house.

The Buck Inn at Maunby, between Thirsk and Northallerton, has recently been declared an asset of community value, a special status designed to protect it from development while giving supporters time to raise money and create plans. 

Now campaigners are hoping to appeal against the decision and are considering taking the issue to the Ombudsman. Hambleton District Council said the decision was taken by the Chief Planning Officer through delegated powers.

A spokesperson for the authority said: "At present, emergency authority is delegated to Hambleton District Council’s chief planning officer to determine any matter that would otherwise have been decided at a meeting of the Planning Committee. This is in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and is in line with part three of the council’s constitution.

"Officers also consulted the chairman and vice-chairman of the Planning Committee and the portfolio holder for planning regarding this application at an internal meeting of the planning consultative panel on Monday, March 29, 2021, where the elected members expressed a preference for the application to be determined at the delegated level. All objections received and the issue of the asset of community value are addressed in the officer report which is publicly available. The decision was therefore issued on Thursday, April 8."

Campaigner Andy Pond said losing the pub is devastating for the village. He added: "Maunby does not have its own village hall, it shares one with neighbouring villages so to access this facility you need transport. With no bus service in the village the pub is the only community meeting place within walking distance.

"We have set up a community action group and are planning to appeal against the decision. The Buck Inn has served its local community since 1855, playing host over the years to many community activities and being the first choice destination for family celebrations, celebrating the arrival, and mourning the departure, of its residents.

"It is true that many pubs are facing difficult times and Covid has not helped, however, the Buck Inn has been documented over the years as having been successful.

"The pub was recently given asset of community value status, however, despite this and despite the fact that most residents objected, planning permission has been given to change its use to a single dwelling. We don't believe the proper processes were followed by the council and we are taking action."