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The appeal against refusal of Planning Permission on the Eastern Annexe was held ‘virtually’ on Microsoft Teams this Tues & Wed 10^th & 11^th November.  An Inspector from the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol presided over those present: David Fielder & Justin Claybourne (who spoke only to confirm his presence) & their agent Jennifer Hubbard; HBC Planning Officer Gerard Walsh; and for the HJCP Ltd – Dave Robinson, Richard Sadler, Sarah Haslam. Observing: Mark Owen HJCP and Pippa Manson – Chair, KMPC .

The meeting was controlled very strictly and every aspect of the situation regarding the Eastern-Annexe was examined in detail. Everyone was able to express their view and outline their position.

Basically, the view of the owners was that separating 2 halves of the site but offering the sale of the western half as a pub, was enough to satisfy the CFX & HPPF planning policies that protect community facilities. Obviously, the HJCP objected that removing one half of the building and two thirds of the car park would destroy the social asset viability of the whole site. The view of HBC, represented by planner Gerard Walsh, was broadly aligned with the HJCP position.

The HJCP Business Plan was then forensically unpicked line-by-line by the owners trying to prove it was unviable and unworkable. These arguments were stoutly rebutted by a belief in its robustness, the audit and standard mark it had been given; and the expert contribution of advice and consultation to its creation by 2 operating local pubs and the approval gained from 3 other community pubs.

Finally, as expected, Jennifer Hubbard lodged a claim for costs against HBC for the refusal of the permission which thus forced the appeal. A long list of reasons was presented claiming numerous breaches and misinterpretations of the planning policies by HBC. Each point was defended by the Planning Officer. A decision on this claim will be made later on.

The Appeal was concluded after a day and a half of computer debate and the decision by the Planning Inspector will be issued in the coming weeks.

The HJCP are cautiously optimistic as we feel that our still-expanding membership; our growing community share total; the vigorous and passionate defence of our position and our Business Plan; the protection of the new HBC planning policies within the Local Plan (particularly HP8);  and our strong belief that the residents of our parish have a right to have this community asset returned into proper use, will win the day.

We will announce, and release for examination, the full Planning Inspectors decision whichever way it goes, as soon as we receive it.

A successful AGM was conducted by email commencing at the end of October. Company reports were circulated to the entire membership. Many thanks to those members who also included comments and opinions with their returned voting forms.

A vote of the membership returned a new management committee, who subsequently convened a company meeting to establish roles and responsibilities. These are:

Dave Robinson – Chair

Sarah Haslam – Secretary

Janet Robinson – Acting Treasurer

Richard Sadler – PR

Mark Owen – Legal Advisor

Will Parry – Property Advisor

The management committee were also please to confirm the reappointment of Alison Holgate who will continue in her role as a non-voting Arts Consultant. (Hooray!)

Up-to-date information about any aspect of the HJCP Ltd and the ‘Save the Henry Jenkins’ campaign can be obtained by contact with any member of the management team at at HJCPLtd@gmail.com

Justin Claybourn’s Appeal against the refusal of his planning application for the so-called ‘Eastern-Annexe’ of the Henry Jenkins has now been set for the 10^th & 11^th November.

The event will take place ‘virtually’ with contributers taking part on Microsoft Teams in a meeting run by Anton Godfrey from the Planning Inspectorate.

All the necessary HJCP documentation was provided prior to the original event date of 26^th March and no other submissions have been invited. But we will be ‘participants’, ready to respond when requested by the presiding inspector.

If you would like more information on this Appeal and the procedure, please contact this office – HJCPLtd@gmail.com. We will provide updates during and after the Hearing. The Inspectors decision may well take several months.