Revival hope for derelict Shropshire pub
A derelict Shropshire pub facing demolition has won a stay of execution after a judge ruled it has a future as a community asset.
The Swan Inn, at Waters Upton, which dates back to 1843, has been closed to the public since 2011 and is currently in disrepair following arson attacks.
But, following a tribunal hearing, Judge Simon Bird QC said it is possible the pub could be restored to its former glory as a thriving community hub.
The judge made his ruling after the current owner, internet business Neem Genie Company Ltd, tried to have the pub removed from a list which protects buildings deemed to benefit communities.
The Swan Inn was owned by Punch Taverns until late 2011, when it was sold to the current owner – with the pub chain keeping part of the car park for a small housing development.
The judge said there was evidence the pub was regularly used to host village events including harvest festivals, beer festivals, wakes, fancy dress and theme nights.
Local darts, dominoes and pool clubs had also relied on the venue.
Neem Genie had found a potential buyer for the pub, but the sale was not completed and planning permission to demolish the building to make way for flats had been rejected.
Representatives for Neem Genie argued that, if the pub remained listed and could therefore not be demolished, the firm would go into liquidation.
The firm was not insured against the arson attacks which damaged the pub in August and September 2015 and couldn't afford to carry out repairs.
They also said villagers' needs for a local pub were served by another licensed venue, The Lion.
A report prepared for Punch concluded the pub was taking no more than £3,000 a week and that its trading success had been "extremely limited" in the 15 years before its closure.
However, the report also said the pub has a "viable future" as a pub serving the local community.
Both councils told the tribunal there are planned housing developments in the area, which will see the population expand and increase the need for a local pub.
Waters Upton Parish Council also said The Lion was an Indian restaurant with a bar area that was "too small" to be a viable community venue.
Judge Bird ruled that the pub should remain listed, saying it was once an "important part of the community" and could be again.
