Petition to save Barley pub attracts hundreds of signatures
Fox and Hounds pub in Barley may be turned into housing - Credit: Archant
A petition to save a pub which was once at the centre of village life from being converted into homes has attracted almost 400 signatures – and Barley only has a population of 659.
John Foy, along with fellow villagers, organised the petition to save the Fox and Hounds pub as he thinks it is a vital asset for the community.
He said: “A village can’t be a village without a pub. As Homer Simpson said: ‘Here’s to alcohol, the cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.’
“The owner of the rival pub the Chequers even said she would help with the petition, as she feels the competition is good.”
Chairman of Barley Parish Council Jerry Carlisle previously told the Crow he is ‘vigorously opposed’ to the application to change the building’s use which has been put forward by Derbyshire-based consultants Paul Gaughan.
He said: “The parish council vigorously objects the application.
“It’s a landmark building, it’s been a pub for donkey’s years.
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“It’s a money-making exercise. The applicant already has two houses on the site.
“There’s no justification for the change of use. Lots of people are writing in objection.
“We will be looking to make sure the application is dealt with by a committee.
“A pub is the social fabric of the village and the Fox and Hounds is in the heart of Barley.”
More than 100 people turned up to a public meeting held by the parish council last month, and only one person said they did not object to the application.
In the statement submitted with the application, the developer said: “The site currently has little value as a community asset as its recent trading history would testify that other licensed premises in the vicinity are sufficient to satisfy local demand.”
Before the application comes before planners a consultation period is running until next Monday, September 21.
