The Angel closed in 2019. It was a viable, small pub even with what were then operational constraints imposed through the landlord and tenant relationship.
The owners have tried to get change of use for the property to residential, presumably as they believe it will enhance the value they get when they sell the property. A new planning application has recently been submitted.
We want the community to own the property to protect it from change of use, and reopen it as a pub but not just a pub: With community ownership comes a wider responsibility to provide community space that has been identified as a need in our village and surrounding area.
We have formed Debenham Angel Community Ltd, a Community Benefit Society regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We have a clear and practical plan to raise funds through a share offer to local people, grants from public bodies and potential loans if needed. With these funds we will buy the property, refurbish and equip it, engage an enthusiastic and experienced tenant to run the business and turn the pub into a commercial and community success.
In the heart of the village, we want as many people as possible to be proud of what we can achieve when we all pull together. This is not just saving a property for the sake of it. The pub was viable when it was forced to close. It can be viable again – profitable both from a financial perspective and a social capital one.