Our efforts to protect the Half Moon Inn has been a journey filled with determination, unity, and the timeless spirit of safeguarding. For 22 months, the Half Moon Pub Group’s commitment has shone brightly, a testament to our community’s heart and soul. During this time, the group has been faced with one appeal after another, fusing our shared values against personal gains. Amidst this journey, we’re standing strong on our vision to revive a legacy that’s over two centuries old, our local pub, as the heart of the community.

Appeals and discussions have coloured these months. As you are aware, in 2022, the owner’s proposal to convert the pub was refused. Undeterred, he appealed this decision, only for this to be dismissed by a Government inspector. Not long after this, the owner applied for a Certificate of Lawfulness for an Existing Use (CLEUD) – alleging 4 years residential use – which would have given him the right to change the use of the pub, regardless of HBC’s and the external inspector’s planning decisions. Thankfully, the NY Council rejected this. However, following NY Council serving an enforcement notice on the owner requiring him to quit living in the pub, we find that he is now appealing against the enforcement notice and the rejection of the CLEUD application. 

It feels we are extinguishing one fire after another. Yet we still stand strong, so that the Half Moon Inn remains a living testament to shared history and values. Our resilience, unity, and the unwavering commitment defining this 22-month battle shows that together we can prove our community’s strength, unbreakable bonds, and ability to weather any storm. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before we can celebrate with a pint – or two – at the Half Moon Inn.