Village turns out to support White Swan
Planning inspector holds meeting in Hunmanby as 70 people attend
More than 70 people turned out in a mass show of support this week in the latest round in the battle to save a village pub.
On Tuesday a Government planning inspector heard an appeal in Hunmanby against a decision by Scarborough Council to deny Enterprise Inns’ plans to develop housing adjacent to the historic watering hole.
Hunmanby Community Centre was packed with villagers, eager to show the inspector that they did not want to lose their pub.
The inspector heard arguments in the morning before going on a site visit to the pub in the afternoon.
She is expected to a deliver a verdict in early December.
Hunmanby councillor Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff, one of those backing the Save Our Swan campaign, told The Mercury she was hopeful the inspector would listen to the concerns of the villagers.
She said: “The turnout was fantastic.
“Even the inspector com- mented that she had never seen so many people turn up to a planning appeal hearing.
“It was a very passionate meeting, people were keen to get their points of view across and, to be fair, the inspector gave everyone the chance to do so.
“It will be about six weeks before we know what the outcome is but I think everyone feels that the strength of feeling for the White Swan and against what Enterprise Inns is trying to do came across.”
In October last year Scarborough Council’s planning committee went against its officers’ recommendations in refusing the company’s plans.
The parish council of Hunmanby also had significant concerns over the potential impact on the common land in front of the site.
Enterprise asked to be allowed to convert the adjacent stables into two dwellings, the old hairdresser shop into one property and to build three new properties in the courtyard.
On the back of the application the Save Our Swan movement was born.
It has since gained national headlines as it bids to save a much-loved establishment. Filey’s MP Kevin Hollinrake says the country needs “good migration” but not mass migration.
Mr Hollinrake was speaking during the second reading of the Immigration Bill in the House of Commons which he supports because it would clamp down on illegal working and residency.
He said the Bill recognised the deep concern the public have over immigration.
“If they do come they will have great difficulty in finding somewhere to live and great difficulty in finding somewhere to work.”
Despite those concerns, most people saw the benefits of good migration.
“We need good migration, not mass migration. Good migration is good for the economy, our society and local communities.
“We need skilled workers and diversity enriches us but not all immigration is good immigration.
“It can put a strain on schools, hospitals, dental and doctors’ surgeries and housing, and it can depress wages, particularly for those struggling on lower incomes.”