Update on fire-damaged buildings in Midhurst

We share everybody’s frustrations about the amount of time that has now passed since the blaze, not least as our primary business location is in the town.

We are delighted that a specialist practice is now advising the owners and they have come forward with a basic proposal for the fire-damaged buildings that include the Angel Inn site.

This is the first time we have been close to receiving a bona fide planning application in the three years since the fire, despite the efforts of all parties involved.

A number of factors have meant that getting to this stage has taken considerable time, including the insurers reaching a settlement with the owners. We know how hard the owners are continuing to work to bring the settlement to a successful conclusion, as well as their keenness to identify and agree a suitable scheme for the site as soon as practicably possible.

The exact details of the proposals are still being finalised by the owners and their advisers and they include options to demolish some elements of the building, while retaining or reusing others. We are hopeful that the proposal can be finalised in the coming weeks and be submitted as a full planning application as soon as possible.

We will continue to do everything we can to support a viable project coming forward and will consider all options to allow development of the site with the least disruption possible for the town.

We have a much greater understanding of the options available to us following recent surveys and will work closely with all parties involved as the buildings still have Listed Building status.

We will also be encouraging those leading the proposal to engage with the local community of Midhurst given the local interest.

As the Local Planning Authority, we are open to any quality scheme coming forward and we want a proposal that the town can truly be proud of and can be here for the next century or more.

Last year the South Downs National Park Authority granted listed building consent for the partial demolition of the former tuck shop/Olive and Vine, next to the Angel Inn, following an application by the site owners.  We’re hopeful that this imminent new planning application can be considered as swiftly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has it taken three years to get to this stage?

This is the first time in three years that a bona fide planning application with firm plans for the site is on the table.

The site is privately-owned and therefore, as the Local Planning Authority, the SDNPA is open to considering any planning application that comes forward for the site, but until now there has not been one.

A number of factors, outside of the control of the SDNPA, have meant that getting to this stage has taken considerable time, most notably the insurers being able to agree to a settlement with the owners.

A cross-organisational working group, including the site owners, County Council, Town Council, and SDNPA, has been working hard in active discussions to help unlock development so the site can be brought back into use as soon as possible.

Why can’t you just demolish the remaining structure?

The remaining structure is still a Listed Building, protected by law, and as a Local Planning Authority we cannot authorise demolition of a listed building in a conservation area without knowing what is going to be built in its place.

Three years on this remains the case and it would be illegal for anyone to pull down the buildings without Listed Building Consent.

Listed Building Consent can only be considered if there is a planning application on the table and until now, there has not been one.

The SDNPA does not own the site and has no demolition powers, but it’s worth saying that it would never be good placemaking to leave an empty hole in a Conservation Area with no development and no plan for its replacement.

Can’t you just compulsory purchase the site?

Compulsory purchase powers are complex and all other routes need to be exhausted before they are considered and granted by the courts. At this time our priority is to work with the landowners to unlock development of the site as soon as possible. We are encouraged by the recent positive momentum to achieve this and will support this in any way we can.

What are the exact details of the proposal for the site?

As the site is both listed and within a Conservation Area, we as the Local Planning Authority need to know what is being proposed in place of the existing buildings. This will be secured as part of any future planning application.

We are discussing the development of the site with the owners and their advisers, but any new buildings will reflect the previous appearance of the site and be a development the town can be proud of.

We will encourage the owners and the specialist heritage, planning and architectural practice advising them to engage with the Midhurst community. Any future application will include a publicity period for you to have your say.

What will happen if a planning application is submitted?

The South Downs National Park Authority is the Local Planning Authority for Midhurst, so would consider any future planning application for the site. This would be subject to statutory consultation with the public and interested parties.