Earlier this year the Woodman Inn at the top of Claypath Bank closed. Residents were concerned about the future of the building, particularly as it could have become an HMO. We support community pubs and the benefit they provide to the local community.

Thankfully an application made by our Lib Dem Parish Council and supported by local Councillors David Freeman & Richard Ormerod to make the Woodman made an asset of community value has been approved by the County Council.

Whilst the property is listed, if a landowner wants to dispose of a listed property, they must notify the Council. Once the Council receives this notification it must publicise the intention to dispose of the property in the local area. If a community interest group expresses an interest in buying the property within 6 weeks of this notification, they can trigger a 6 month moratorium to give them a chance to prepare a bid for it. The property will remain on the List for five years and a local land charge and restriction at the Land Registry will be registered against the property.

In the meantime, The Woodman has now reopened. Please support a good local pub! And if you don’t wish to drink there, they do an excellent gift set of beers for £10 – an ideal Christmas present for the beer drinker in your life (Amanda & Laura, please note! ?)

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