White Lion survives to roar again

The decision not to allow the demolition of the White Lion in Hankelow, for the present at least, was reported on AudlemOnline on Thursday morning....

The proposal to demolish the White Lion, Hankelow, and replace it with five, four-bedroomed detached houses was rejected unanimously by Cheshire East's Southern Planning Committee at Wednesday's meeting.

The decision opens the way for the Save the White Lion group to explore a community ownership/operation scheme with the pubs owner, Mr Timothy Gutteridge.

The CEC Planning Committee was read a statement by Council Leader, Rachel Bailey, opposing the demolition, pointed out that the pub had been in place over 200 years and had recently been recognised as an Asset of Community Value. She noted that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) detailed a requirement to prevent the loss of services. Cheshire East Council's own policy CF3 also required that there should not be a loss of community facilities without suitable alternative provision.

Parish Councillor, Tony Lee, and Save the White Lion campaigner, Derek Smith, spoke strongly, arguing that retaining the White Lion as an integral part of the community was not about preventing change, but rather a challenge to inappropriate development without exploring other opportunities. They explained that the White Lion continued to be a viable business, important, not just to the village, but also to neighbouring parishes. They pointed out that over the past 5 years, 12 new dwellings have been built within the village with foundation work having commenced on 7 more and a further 22 houses expected to be built in 2017 and that the growing village needed a community hub. They advised of the community's desire to develop a community run approach.

Ian Jones, Hankelow Parish Councillor and member of the Save the White Lion group, welcomed the Council's decision, saying that it reflected the strength of feeling by both former users of the pub and its importance to the village. He said that work by Sarah Parker, fellow campaigner, has shown that there are a number of viable community purchase or operation models that are successful across the country.

Ian Jones also paid tribute to the owner of the White Lion, Timothy Gutteridge, for his investment during the course of his ownership and said that the Save the White Lion group looked forward to an early meeting with him to explore options for community ownership and operation

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