Boy did we not expect this process to take so long! It has been almost 5 years since our local Half Moon Inn was purchased by a private owner. That is 5 whole years that Sharow and the neighbouring villages have been deprived of our valuable community asset. And yet, the road still seems to be really long.

Following the submission of our opposition to the planning application for a change of use by the new owner of the Half Moon Inn, our efforts have been delayed, by yet again another technicality: a Valuation Report. Paid for and briefed by the current owner and applicant, this has taken more than 2 months to be published. Alarm bells you say? Indeed we think. Since the posting of the ‘not viable’ Valuation Report by Christie & Co, we gathered again, even stronger and more fired up, to review it, identify issues, mistakes and inconsistencies. And with support from community pub experts, we formulated our response, which we have now submitted to Harrogate’s planning department. 

The decision on the application should be made by the end of November. If the planning department recommends approval of the application for change of use, Sam Green, our borough councillor, has requested that it go before the planning committee for the decision. However, if recommended to refuse, that will be the decision under delegated powers.

If the application is rejected, the applicant will have the right of appeal within 6 months of the decision. If the application is approved, the objectors only will be able to take the matter to judicial review, within 6 weeks of the decision.

The Half Moon Pub Group have managed to move mountains and have received provisional intention of investment on a ‘Community Shares’ scheme by more than 60 people around the area. We are working on a business plan and we are reviewing grant and funding options so we can present to the community a robust plan on how to run the Half Moon Inn successfully. Not only at a financial level, but as a community asset and a hub, that will allow people to gather, eat and drink, enjoy cultural, community and social events. 

We will be updating you shortly with the next steps. Until then, get in touch if you can help the group. We need the energy and expertise of a range of experts, including social media, PR, fundraising, etc. We are only an email away halfmoonpubsharow1@gmail.com or a comment on our facebook page. Thank you.