Comedian amends plan to include use of historic pub

COMPLAINTS have been made after comedian Russell Brand altered the wording of his planning application to redevelop an historic pub.

He wanted to turn the Crown in Pishill into a recording studio for his videos and podcasts.

This would involve converting the first floor of the pub into an office with the garage and cottage converted into a filming studio.

But now his production company, Pablo Diablos Legitimate Business Firm, has amended the application to retain a “mixed use” of the pub.

South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, has said that its enforcement team are monitoring the case and it is waiting the council’s decision on the application.

More than 50 people and organisations had objected to the previous application over fears of losing an “essential” amenity.

They sent written objections to the district council, which is now five months overdue in determining the application.

Caroline Dempsey, who lives in Pishill, said the changing of the wording of the application is a “matter of great concern”.

She said: “Where is the supporting documentation for this significant change in emphasis of the description?

“As things stand, I fail to understand why the new wording should be viewed as a more palatable and therefore more acceptable proposal for The Crown than its predecessors which were clearly unpopular. The fundamental obstacles to this application persist.

“I am very unhappy with the manner in which the district council continues to manage the planning applications for this premises. I do not believe the current owners will ever re-open the pub as a public house and am very disappointed with the continuing tolerance of their continued exploitation of the premises for their own financial gain.

“There has been a lack of planning enforcement action and also a complete lack of consideration for the local community and its needs. I continue to object to the approval of this planning application.”

Gabrielle Evans, of Pishill, said: “I don’t think the current owners have any intention of reopening the premises as a pub. I’m really disappointed with how the council keeps allowing them to misuse the premises, without change of use permission.”

Marnie Watson, of Pishill, said: “There is still a lack of clarity of the application documentation and how it now ties in with the new application wording. There appears to be a lack of information concerning works to this historic Grade II listed building and the buildings within its curtilage.

“The plans and drawings show outlines of rooms and spaces with no specific details of works that in some cases have already been carried out at the premises. Some parts of the original application seem to have been withdrawn by letter but have not been removed from the application.

“If the new description includes a change of use to include a pub, then this is surely a new application and as such needs details of opening hours and how it would function alongside a private business. All interested parties should have a fair say in this important decision process.”

Pishill with Stonor Parish Council continued to object to the proposal. It said: “Following the target decision date of May 24, 2024 no decision has yet been published.

“No mention is now made of the public house itself, which is the most crucial element of the proposal. The Crown has not been reopened since the current owners purchased the property in spite of assertions by them at a parish council meeting on November 23, duly minuted, to open at the very least a restaurant and bar and that a public consultation would take place prior to submission of a proposal. This did not materialise.

“There is an enforcement case still open as well as numerous objections by the parish council, including a complaint dated July 19 at the length of time it is taking to establish an enforcement action.

“The way in which this case is being managed seems unusual. In the past, the parish council would normally see more rapid action taken by the district council in the event of an infringement of planning. Importantly, it would also appear that the property is not being maintained as is appropriate for a Grade II listed building.”

A spokeswoman at the district council said: “The description relating to a planning application at the Crown has been changed to reflect an amendment to the proposal.

“The council’s planning enforcement team is aware of the case and will await the outcome of this application before considering any action if required. We expect to make a decision on the application shortly.”