Grade II listed pub is saved from redevelopment

Locals cheered and applauded as council planners voted against proposals to turn a Grade II listed pub into a house.

Plans to repurpose the Twelve Bells in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, as a domestic home with a B&B outbuilding were rejected by Cotswold District Council, with locals waiting for its decision in a public gallery.

Developer Hywel James' proposals for the pub, which has been closed since its sale in 2024, were originally recommended for approval.

However, the plans sparked a public outcry, with objections from 150 people and Cirencester Town Council.

James Brown, one of the objectors, said the Twelve Bells was "clearly" a valuable community asset.

He said the proposals would bring "no public benefits, only harm", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"There is already one dwelling in the building so there is no housing gain," he said.

"Against this, the pub hosted four darts teams, crib team, served as a meeting place for the bell ringers, Women's Institute, history society and many other local people and visitors.

"Its closure also means the loss of employment."

Joe Seymour, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said council officers previously judged the proposed change of use as acceptable.

"The previous landlords tried to pass the torch but no publicans, landlords or breweries were prepared to accept it," he said.

"Pubs only close when no one is prepared to take them on and run them as a profitable business."

Joe Harris, district councillor, said the plans would not deliver any "clear public benefit" and would result in "permanent irreversible harm" with the loss of the pub.

District councilor Nikki Ind said the Twelve Bells was one of the only pubs left in the south of the town.

Conservative Councillor David Fowles echoed this view.

"I think there are about seven viable pubs in Cirencester with a population that's increased in size," he said. "It seems crazy."

The town has a population of about 20,000.

Fowles, who has campaigned to save other pubs, added: "Once they are gone, they are gone."

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