Punch Pubs' Proposals
Punch Pubs submitted a planning application to build six bungalows on the field behind The Bull: see link below to the planning application on the East Herts Council planning portal. The Parish Council recommended refusal of this particular application - see their comments - but it was withdrawn before it was discussed by East Herts Council's planning committee.
On 26 May 2022 Punch submitted a pre-application (see copy below) to the District Council, making substantial changes to the design of the proposed bungalows and also saying that they would invest in the pub's infrastructure - the kitchen, the toilets and the decor - provided planning approval was given.
The Group regarded this as a step in the right direction and had a further discussion with Punch Pubs. The outcome is set out in the message which the Group's Chair sent to members on 1 June 2022, explaining the Management Committee's decision not to campaign for a 'no' vote in the Neighbourhood Plan on 23 June 2022: see the document on the Group's Campaign page.
A further meeting was held with Punch Pubs on 16 June 2022 at which they confirmed their plans to invest in the pub if planning approval was given for housing on the field behind The Bull: see note to members dated 21 June (below) providing an update.
In November/December 2022 Punch Pubs arranged a consultation event at The Bull at which they showed their revised plans for the housing development and for the internal improvements to the pub.
In February 2023 Punch Pubs submitted revised planning applications (see links below) for the housing development and the proposed internal improvements to the pub. The Group submitted comments on 13 March 2003: see below.
In May 2023 the District Council approved the proposed internal improvements but said that they were still considering the planning application for the bungalows. See documents on the Council's planning portal, which include responses published in November 2023 to concerns expressed about flood risk and drainage problems.
In March 2024 the District Council said that any planning approval for the bungalows would not include a condition requiring the internal improvements to the pub to be carried out before work starts on the bungalows.
Punch Pubs' original planning application (subsequently withdrawn) to build six bungalows on the field at the rear of The Bull:
Punch Pubs' planning applications in February 2023:
https://publicaccess.eastherts.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage
