Henry Jenkins subject of investigation by Yorkshire Post

20170318_120240
Yorkshire Post, March 18, 2017

The case of the Henry Jenkins – and Harrogate Borough Council’s decision not to protect it as an Asset of Community Value – was the subject of a major investigation in Saturday’s Yorkshire Post.

Under the front page splash headline “Communities being stripped of assets…” the paper reports that up to three quarters of bids to protect community assets under the Government’s Big Society have been rejected outright.

On an inside page a league table is published of local authorities in the region – and Harrogate comes out close to bottom, approving only 24 per cent of ACV nominations. As well as the Henry Jenkins, the Crown at Grewelthorpe was also recently refused protection. By comparison, Richmondshire and Barnsley have approved 100% of ACV nominatins, with other councils not far behind: Hambleton (94%), Scarborough (83%), York (82%), Rotherham (82%) and Leeds (81%).

Under the heading “Our pub is the beating heart of our village,” the decision to refuse the Henry Jenkins an ACV listing is reported in detail – alongside a picture of villagers protesting outside the pub.

Richard Sadler, of the Save the Henry Jenkins group  is quoted as saying: “It can’t be right that a 250-year-old pub that has been so important to this village of Kirkby Malzeard is not listed when the legislation has been set up for exactly this purpose.”

20170318_120508
Yorkshire Post, March 18, 2017

The example is also given of Otley – where all but one of the town’s 20 pubs has been listed as an ACV by Leeds City Council. However one pub has a Harrogate post code  and so comes under Harrogate’s jurisdiction – and this pub has been refused ACV protection.

The “postcode lottery” over the fate of much-valued local pubs is condemned by Leeds MP Greg Mulholland, chair of the Parliamentary Save the Pub group.

He said many pubs were still being lost despite the powers given to councils by the Government to protect them.

“In some cases they are clearly not following the national guidance and are turning down bids quite wrongly denying local people any say in the future of these local assets,” he said.

Paul Ainsworth, chair of Camra’s pubs campaign group, added that the administrative burden on councils meant it was easier to refuse an application than deal with the paperwork.

“This has led some councils to ‘gold-plate’ requirements so that it is virtually impossible for some communities to protect their local – simply because of where they live,” he said.

The system for nominating pubs and other facilities as Assets of Community Value was introduced under the Localism Act by David Cameron to allow local communities greater authority in protecting community assets.

Once a pub is listed as an ACV, this gives it greater protection against it being demolished or turned into shops or offices. It also allows time for a community buyout, an increasingly popular option in rural villages and one now being considered for the Henry Jenkins.

Last month Harrogate Borough Council’s Planning Committee – which does not deal with ACV nominations – refused plans for the demolition of the Henry Jenkins after receiving 90 objections and a 150-signature petition.

The application was rejected on the grounds that “the proposal would result in the loss of a community facility (public house) thereby reducing the variety of locally based community facilities to the detriment of meeting present and future social needs and aspirations of this rural community.”

However David Fielder is now trying to exploit a loophole in planning laws which could allow him to bypass this decision by rebranding the Henry Jenkins as “offices.”

The Save the Henry Jenkins group is planning to submit a new nominaton for the pub to be listed as an ACV.

  • Read the Yorkshire Post front page story here and inside page story here.

 

 

 

 

Henry Jenkins subject of investigation by Yorkshire Post Read More »

Graffiti on Henry Jenkins windows

We have received complaints about the graffiti on the back windows of the Henry Jenkins.

 

We are contacting the owner – David Fielder – regarding the graffiti and asking him to have it covered over or removed.

 

You can also contact him directly to ask for him to have it removed.

 

Fielder Holdings
07802 360866
David Fielder
The Grange, Wood Lane, Willitoft,
Howden, East Riding Of Yorkshire DN14 7NU.

 

You could also contact Howard Mountain of the Parish Council
Telephone 01765 658838

 

You could also contact your local Councilor – Margaret Atkinson
Councillor Margaret Atkinson
Phone:01765 658545
Mobile Phone:07802 214938

Graffiti on Henry Jenkins windows Read More »

Henry Jenks rebranded as “offices” in attempt to avoid Planning Controls

The owner of the Henry Jenkins, David Fielder, is attempting to exploit a loophole in the law intended to protect community pubs – by rebranding the Henry Jenkins as his “estate office.”

Last week Harrogate Borough Council’s Planning Committee voted to reject plans for demolition of the Henry Jenkins and redevelopment of the site with housing. The main reason for doing so is that the council has a specific policy, called Policy CFX, designed to protect community facilities – and councillors were unanimous in deciding that in this case the terms and conditions of that policy had not been met.

They decided that planning permission for demolition/ redevelopment should be refused because: “The proposal would result in the loss of a community facility (public house) thereby reducing the variety of locally based community facilities to the detriment of meeting the present and future social needs and aspirations of this rural community.”

They determined that if he wished to reapply for demolition the applicant (Mr Fielder) would need to demonstrate that he had marketed the Henry Jenkins at a price which reflects its market value – and would need to provide evidence of marketing/ advertising plus offers to buy etc.

Mr Fielder is now attempting to get round this by exploiting a loophole in the law that allows owners of pubs and community facilities to change their designated use under “permitted development rights.” Under these rights, Mr Fielder can simply notify the council that he intends to change the use of the Henry Jenkins from public house to offices – without needing planning permission. At a later date he could then theoretically apply for planning permission to demolish an “office” – which would no longer be considered as a community facility. (The fact that the building is in a dilapidated state – and its interior has been stripped out of fixtures, fittings and internal walls etc – may not prevent the Henry Jenkins from being technically designated as “an office.” )

This is not supposition or guesswork:  Yesterday new signs were put up on the Henry Jenkins saying “Fielder Estate Office.” And Harrogate Borough Council have confirmed that they have been in discussions with Mr Fielder’s agent and are expecting to receive prior notification that he intends to change the use of the Henry Jenkins under permitted development rights.

Clearly this goes against the spirit of the Policy CFX , set up to protect community facilities. It is also an attempt to frustrate the will of elected members of Harrogate Borough Council’s Planning Committee, who were concerned to ensure that every effort was made to keep the Henry Jenkins as a public house – and who raised serious questions about efforts by Mr Fielder to market it as such.

The Save the Henry Jenkins committee is urgently considering its response to the latest developments. We believe Mr Fielder’s actions are a matter of national significance because they seek to undermine established national planning policies. We are encouraged by a vote in the House of Lords last week which seeks to remove permitted development rights from pubs and we will be raising the case of the Henry Jenkins at the highest level.

Watch this space for further developments.

Henry Jenks rebranded as “offices” in attempt to avoid Planning Controls Read More »

Community Purchase of Henry Jenks considered

Following last week’s decisive rejection of plans for the demolition of the Henry Jenkins, thanks are due to everyone who has helped bring this about by voicing their opposition so strongly.

More than 90 people – almost all of them from Kirkby, Laverton and Dallowgill – registered formal objections with Harrogate Borough Council and a total of 155 people signed a petition against proposals for the pub’s demolition and redevelopment with housing. According to Harrogate & Ripon CAMRA – who registered their own objections – this was by far the biggest response in recent years to plans involving the loss of a pub.

The Planning Committee, which rejected the application with a 12-0 majority, were left in no doubt over the strength of feeling on this issue. As expressed by scores of objectors: The Henry Jenkins was a much loved and missed facility which offered something different from the Queens, it was a vital part of the community – and could be so again if it was offered for sale at the right price.

In the days before and after last week’s decision the fate of the Henry Jenkins has attracted widespread media attention, having been featured on BBC Radio York, Stray FM, the Yorkshire Post and the Ripon Gazette.

The question now is what is the best way of saving the Henry Jenkins for the benefit of the village and its inhabitants (read on…)

20170306_175819
Ripon Gazette – March 2nd, 2017

One option being considered is a community bid to purchase, refurbish and run it either as conventional a pub and restaurant with b&b – or as a multi-service facility offering other services which people want (for example a sub-post office, a library, a bakery, a retail outlet for local artisans, a 24-hour gym etc).

Community ownership is a viable and well-proven method of securing local services being lost in villages up and down the country – and the Government has set aside millions of pounds to help local people buy and run community pubs and shops.

The case for a community buyout and refurbishment of the Henry Jenkins has been looked at in some detail and initial inspection suggests the building is structurally sound and could be viably refurbished as a profitable multi-service facility.

Its history and its position in the centre of the village mean it would be well-placed to be brought back as a community hub – as well as having potential to pull in visitors and tourists. If done in the right way – and with the widest possible involvement of people in the village – it need not conflict with existing facilities and could benefit every one. As well as boosting income from tourism and providing local employment, it could encourage residents to socialise, go out more in the village and spend their money here rather than further afield. A revitalised Henry Jenkins could ultimately make Kirkby Malzeard a more attractive and desirable place to live in, work in and visit.

Watch this space for more information on the options for a possible community buyout.

Thanks once again to every one who has helped us get this far!

Yorkshire Post article
Yorkshire Post – Feb 27th, 2017
20170306_194104
Yorkshire Post – March 1st, 2017

Community Purchase of Henry Jenks considered Read More »

Plans for demolition of Henry Jenkins rejected

 

20170228_185907
Objectors outside Harrogate Borough Council’s offices this afternoon

Plans for the demolition of the Henry Jenkins were were decisively rejected today by Harrogate Borough Council’s Planning Committee.

Councillors voted 12-0 to turn down an application by David Fielder, of Fielder Holdings, to knock down the pub and redevelop the site with housing. There were three abstentions.

Richard Sadler, from the Save the Henry Jenkins committee, addressed the committee saying this was a clear-cut case of a speculative developer from outside the area buying up a once popular and well-used community facility and deliberately degrading it.

Several councillors asked Mr Fielder, who also addressed the meeting, why he had not submitted more evidence of attempts to sell it as a going concern. He was also asked why, if he wanted to sell it, he had stripped out the interior of the building.

Mr Fielder denied that he had turned away prospective buyers. But when this question was raised by a committee member, the Planning Officer, Mrs Jan Belton, confirmed that written submissions had been received from interested prospective buyers who had tried to buy the pub.

Mr Fielder maintained that his original intention had been to keep the Henry Jenkins as a pub but that he had received no formal offers – and this was why he had stripped out the interior.

He was supported by the deputy chairman of Kirkby Malzeard Parish Council, Coun Mike Hurford, who said the parish council were unanimous in supporting the application, that the village could not support two pubs and that the Henry Jenkins would conflict with plans to develop the Mechanics Institute Village Hall.

However one councillor pointed out that other villages had successfully brought back pubs previously judged not to be viable.

And the committee’s vice chairman, Coun Nigel Simms, who represents Masham, made the point that Masham has four pubs and a number of other licensed premises and he didn’t see why Kirkby Malzeard could not support two.

The application was also opposed by Kirkby Malzeard’s ward councillor, Coun Margaret Atkinson, who said she was reluctant to go against the parish council but on this occasion she could not agree with the stance taken.

  • The decision is expected to be reported in tomorrow’s Yorkshire Post and Thursday’s Ripon Gazette

 

 

 

Plans for demolition of Henry Jenkins rejected Read More »

Decision on the fate of the Henry Jenkins Today!

Planning meeting today
The decision on the fate of the Henry Jenkins is being made today.

If you can be there to support, it will help show the planning committee members the support for keeping the Pub.

Please meet at 1.15pm today, Tuesday (February 28) for show of strength outside the Council Offices, Crescent Gardens, Harrogate, HG1 2SG.
Then we need to go inside in good time for for the start of the meeting at 2:00pm. There are already some spare seats going (no need for everyone to take their cars). Please email kevin@thehenryjenkins.com if you want a ride or if you have seats to spare.

PLEASE TRY TO MAKE IT IF YOU CAN – IF WE GET A GOOD TURNOUT, MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE SHOULD BE IN NO DOUBT OF THE STRENGTH OF FEELING!

Cooperative Ownership Option
We have also posted an article on the website about the Cooperative ownership option that could be available if the decision to demolish is rejected today.

You can read about that in the Resources section here – http://thehenryjenkins.com/resources/the-henry-jenkins-the-community-ownership-option/

Decision on the fate of the Henry Jenkins Today! Read More »

Battle to Save Henry Jenkins features in Yorkshire Post

Yorkshire Post article
Yorkshire Post article

Yorkshire Post Article

The campaign to Save the Henry Jenkins is has been featured in an extensive article  in the Yorkshire Post It includes a picture of the Saturday’s protest outside the pub – as well a picture of Mr Fielder looking on.

The campaign has also featured on Radio York and Stray FM are due to broadcast an item in advance of today’s crucial meeting of the Harrogate Borough Council’s Planning Committee – when the fate of the Henry Jenkins will be decided

I

Battle to Save Henry Jenkins features in Yorkshire Post Read More »

Save the Henry Jenkins Pavement Protest

There was a great turnout for a Save the Henry Jenkins photoshoot this morning – despite it being windy and damp.

HernyJenkinsCampaign

A photographer from the Yorkshire Post turned out to take pictures of the event featuring protest signs and placards and great Henry Jenkins beards and hats.

The crowd were cheery and unanimous in support for saving the Henry Jenkins from demolition and examining viable options for future use.

Richard also featured in a live interview on Radio York early in the morning previewing the protest, Stray FM have visited Kirkby Malzeard to record an interview – and will broadcast an item on Tuesday morning – and the Ripon Gazette have also asked for pictures of our protest. There should be a report in the Yorkshire Post on Monday.

THE BIG DECISION ON THE PLANNING APPLICATION TO DEMOLISH THE HENRY JENKINS COMES NEXT TUESDAY WHEN THE PLANNING COMMITTEE WILL DECIDE ON THE FATE OF THE PUB.

If you can, please meet at 1.15pm Tuesday (February 28) for show of strength outside the Council Offices, Crescent Gardens, Harrogate, HG1 2SG.
Then we need to go inside in good time for for the start of the
meeting at 2:00pm. There are already some spare seats going (no need for every one to take their cars). Please email kevin@thehenryjenkins.com if you want a ride or if you have seats to spare.

PLEASE TRY TO MAKE IT IF YOU CAN – IF WE GET A GOOD TURNOUT, MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE SHOULD BE IN NO DOUBT OF THE STRENGTH OF FEELING!

Save the Henry Jenkins Pavement Protest Read More »

Pictures of damage done to Henry Jenkins interior and exterior

With the Owner’s permission, we inspected the Henry Jenkins to see the condition it is in and what would would need to be done to return it back to a Pub or other facility.

We took some pictures and you can find them on the website in the Resources section here – http://thehenryjenkins.com/resources/pictures-of-the-henry-jenkins-deterioration/

The owner had said he was prepared to look at an offer from a community group in the future, so a record of the existing condition is needed to assess possible refurbishment costs.

Bar area
Bar area

We were shocked by the extent of damage, and considering that it was meant to be for sale as a running Pub, were surprised to see that all Pub rooms were stripped and even upstairs accommodation kitchen, bathroom and walls removed.

Stripping out the Pub, while tragic for those who used to drink there, did, however, allowed us to see an open plan of the interior and may help to plan for future use design if the Pub is saved from demolition.

It also allowed us to assess the structural integrity,which still looks sound with some cracking in the exterior walls caused by the use of cement based mortar for pointing which is fairly easily repaired with removal and re pointing with a lime based mortar.

Other parts of the building can be refurbished and brought back to life, although it will take time and money.

============================================
Please Help!!

If you feel passionate to Save the Henry Jenkins after seeing the pictures on the website, then help out by considering attending the Saturday gathering or the actual planning meeting.
See note at – http://thehenryjenkins.com/2017/02/23/henry-jenkins-decision-soon-can-you-help/
============================================

Pictures of damage done to Henry Jenkins interior and exterior Read More »

Henry Jenkins decision soon – can you help?

As you should have heard, Harrogate Council planning officers are recommending that Fielder’s plans for demolition of Henry Jenkins be REFUSED (see last update on website here )

But there is no room for complacency … because members of the Planning Committee don’t have to follow this advice and they could still approve the plans on Tuesday!

We need YOUR help for:

  •  Saturday Protest – Henry Jenkins 10am
    Protest outside the Henry Jenkins this Saturday morning.

The Yorkshire Post have expressed interest and want to send out a photographer and local radio stations are also being contacted.

Please email Richard (richard_sadler01@hotmail.com) if you think you can attend. Please tell all, any friends/ neighbours who may be sympathetic. Kids also welcome (this is about the future of our community).

  • Planning committee meetingTuesday 1pm,  Harrogate

Show of force at Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

We need to be there at 1pm in good time for start of meeting at 2pm. The Save the Henry Jenkins group will be addressing the meeting to outline case for saving the pub.

We need a good show of support inside the meeting room – and possibly also outside, as members arrive.

As with Saturday’s event, please email Richard (richard_sadler01@hotmail.com). if you think you can attend. Please encourage friends/ neighbours who may be sympathetic to come along! It’s time to make our voices heard!

 

Henry Jenkins decision soon – can you help? Read More »