The George Appeal Update 14/6/19

We are pleased to confirm we have received official validation and the timescale of our appeal from the Planning Inspectorate, that hopefully means a decision will be made by September/October this year.

Please note the decision on our appeal is made by the independent Planning Inspectorate, not SSDC:  

This is the deadline by which all information from South Somerset District Council and ourselves should be with the Planning Inspector for review. Post this date, a site visit will take place and a decision will be made based on written submission from both parties.

In line with the above process SSDC have sent letters to all of you ,who wrote letters to them, to advise of appeal and ask if any further contributions are to be made , that they should go direct to Planning Inspectorate by 11 July I

The Planning Inspectorate have received copies of all your supportive letters and those against, regarding our application previously sent to SSDC .It is therefore not necessary to write again, unless you have something new to say.

Our Parish Council have agreed to write a letter of support and state their intention to apply for necessary highways licence and put effective barrier in place between The George and The cross to improve road safety which will add weight to our appeal.

Existing premises: Negotiations are ongoing with our current landlord to stay in our existing premises until we are in a position to move and we are hopeful that this will be resolved shortly. 

Any questions please let us know 

The George is still our preferred location for the future location of Winsham Shop & Post office. There have been no other worked solutions proposed to secure the future of this valuable village asset.

As of today The George still remains available for sale and is currently occupied by the owner

We are delighted to confirm that, thanks to the considerable time and expertise of a very much appreciated member of Winsham Shop Management Committee, we have finally completed the appeal and produced what we believe is a compelling case which has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate . 

Our application now needs to be validated by the Planning Inspectorate and once we have this validation we will have a better indication on timelines(up to 6 months). In the meantime if you want to understand more about the process it is available via the following website: planninginspectorate.gov.uk

Previously... 

THE GEORGE UPDATE -16th February -

WE NEED YOU TO ACT THIS COMING WEEK

 It's your Community Shop & Post Office & your chance to show your support - do not assume it is a done deal.

The majority of our community have demonstrated their support to relocate the village shop and Post Office to The George

It is now key decision time and you can make a difference by attending the  Area West Planning Committee Meeting, Wednesday 20th February at the Guild Hall in Chard 

We have worked hard over the last two years to provide a solution for the long term security of our village shop & Post Office, with everyone being given ample opportunity to share their solution to the problem presented 

This is the only CENTRALLY LOCATED, AVAILABLE, VIABLE & VERY IMPORTANTLY- FUNDED OPTION on the table, without it there is a real risk our community shop & Post Office will not survive, with an imminent  risk that our current lease will not be renewed in September 19   

As anticipated the Planning Officer has recommended refusal based on highways issues .However, it is down to the Planning Committee to make the final decision and understand inpact of such a decision on our village.

We cannot stress enough, how important it is that we show the councillors how much support there is in the village for this, by turning out for the meeting .Please do what you can to be there and encourage others to do so  

Please be aware that the Planning Committee report is now available to view on line - see attached link - look in Area West committee meeting agenda - item 15 

http://modgov.southsomerset.gov.uk/ieDocHome.aspx?Categories

Thank you to the many of you have already let us know that you are attending .For all those attending the meeting please pick up your rosettes in the shop from Monday and wear at the meeting to show you are a supporter.  

PLEASE NOTE THE MEETING STARTS AT 5.30PM for councillors .However, we have been advised planning items will start no earlier than 6.30pm.

Our suggestion is that you aim to arrive 6-6.15pm.  

Any questions please let us know

Winsham Shop Management Committee  

95 people attended the parish council meeting on Wednesday,9th January, when the Parish Council unanimously supported the revised planning application 
Picture by Stuart Davie ( Vice Chairman-Winsham Parish Council)

Update: The George 1/2/19 

We are eagerly awaiting the Planning recommendation report from Mike Hicks, the Planning Officer regarding our change of use application for The George, which we believe will be delivered by the 8th February. We expect that this decision will be referred to the Area West Planning Committee meeting due to take place on Wednesday 20th February at the Guildhall in Chard . We know based on your letters of support that the vast majority of this community supports  this application.

Please be aware that our community shop only continues to survive due to the enormous efforts of our many volunteers who choose to give their time for free to support the whole community and our shareholders who shape its future. We are not just a place to buy stuff and a Post Office, but a key social hub, communication centre and support particularly for those without transport, isolated and infirm in our community. 

We are happy to do this as we believe our shop is fundamental to our village life. We have worked hard to deliver what we believe is the best available, centrally located ,funded and viable option to secure its future, as well as give us the added benefit of a community cafe and public toilet facilities during shop opening hours . 

We ask that if you value your shop and appreciate this that you show your support by: 

1. Displaying a poster in your house and/or car window 'Proud to support our community shop' posters available in the shop. 

2. Attend the planning committee meeting on 20th February to demonstrate  to the councillors who sit on this committee that this is what you want. A huge presence of people in support makes a real difference .

Winsham Shop Management Committee