The Vicars Inn, 68 Church Lane, Arlesey, SG15 6UX

Conversion of former public house (closed) with flat over to create 1no dwelling and construction of 3no dwellings

Authority: Central Bedfordshire
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Change of use
Inspector: Seymour J

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

Whether the site could be used for an alternative community or employment-generating use
The living conditions of the future occupiers of the dwellings in relation to garden and bedroom sizes

What decided it

The site has been demonstrated to be financially unviable as a pub with suitable alternative pubs available in the area, satisfying Policy R2 criteria for loss of community facility, and the Council's recent permission for alternative use at the site indicates acceptance of residential development.

Plan policies cited: Policy R2, Policy EMP2, Policy HQ1

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