Pub to become housing despite council refusal

A village pub is set to be turned into housing despite the council refusing permission and locals raising funds to buy it. Residents of Long Newton, near Stockton, raised £253,000 to save the Vane Arms after the conversion plan was refused by councillors in March.

However, the Planning Inspectorate has overturned the council’s refusal on appeal, saying the pub’s continued use would not be viable due to a lack of demand. It said the village contains “a larger public house”, than nearby Derry.

Long Newton Community Hub chair Nigel Dennison said: “We feel like the soul has been ripped out of the village.”

The Planning Inspectorate decision can be challenged by the High Court.