Petition to save the Squirrel Inn

Residents in Wollerton have started a petition objecting to the change of use of the Squirrel Inn into a private dwelling. Encouraged by Councillor Karen Calder a copy of the petition has been placed in Hodnet Post Offiice. Members of the public have until May 24 to comment to the Council so anyone who feels strongly that the planning request should be turned down needs to sign the petition during the coming week.
It is possible to view the application on Shropshire Council’s website, through the online register. The simplest way to locate it is to go direct to the Simple Search and search for “Wollerton”. The application has the Reference Number 12/01849/FUL with an Alternative Reference: of PP-01935921.
The Planning Application was submitted by Januarys Consultant Surveyors of Cambridge on behalf of Ms C Howell and Ms S Mazloom, who purchased the property in September 2011 and, according to the submission, then “moved into the first floor living accommodation.” The 15 page document argues that “The property has very clearly been marketed at a reasonable asking price but there is/was simply no demand in the market to re-use this premises as a public house.” To support this, Januarys argue that the property was on the market for over a year from May 2010, and the original asking price of £225,000 fell to £160,000 at an unsuccessful auction in July 2011. The submission also argues that there are plenty of alternative similar facilities in Hodnet and at Tern Hill. The full application can be downloaded, along with plans from Shropshire Council’s website.
According to a report on page 4 of this week’s Market Drayton Advertiser, “The scheme includes turning the first floor living room and kitchen into a master suite. On the ground floor the dining room will become a kitchen/diner, the gentleman’s toilet will become an office and the kitchen is to become a utility, office or store.”
Hodnet Parish Council has already expressed its opposition to the change of use.
A copy of the petition is available here and it can be printed off for circulation. All additional forms should be handed in at the Post Office by Saturday 19th May.