The Stody Estate has submitted a proposal to North Norfolk District Council to redevelop the Hunny Bell pub located in Hunworth, along with a plan to construct ten houses on the northern side of the site. The proposal was lodged late last year and has since been met with significant opposition from local residents, who express concerns that the redevelopment could jeopardise the future of their village pub, which has been closed since May 2024.
The estate's plans involve remodelling the Hunny Bell, reducing its size, and adding four guest rooms to the establishment. The estate believes that these changes will ensure the pub's survival. However, the plans have drawn more than 40 written objections from locals who are worried that the reduced space for the pub's car park and the addition of new homes will adversely affect the establishment's trade. Furthermore, residents argue that the proposed development would alter the character of the village.
One concerned resident articulated their views in a written objection, stating, "In reality this application is the first nail in the Hunworth Bell's coffin; if the applicant wished to save the pub, they would sell it to the villagers, while retaining a share for themselves." Another local echoed similar sentiments, remarking, "If this were allowed to go ahead, it would not only completely destroy the charm and character of our beautifully preserved little village, it would also set a precedent for others wishing to follow suit."
The Stody Estate views the development as a means to secure a more sustainable future for the pub. While the estate appears firm in its strategy to reboot the pub’s viability through this redevelopment, the local community remains unconvinced and has initiated a petition urging the estate to instead sell the property to the villagers. Historical efforts by the community to purchase the pub from the Stody Estate have proven unsuccessful.
As the proposal continues to be evaluated by North Norfolk District Council, the residents of Hunworth remain vocal about their objections, highlighting the tension between development aspirations and preserving the cultural and social fabric of their village.
Source: Noah Wire Services