The Blue Lion pub in North Pickenham can be turned into homes, Government rules

Government officials have ruled a former village pub can be turned into housing as there is “no local need” for it.

The Planning Inspectorate overturned a decision made by Breckland Council to block the conversion of The Blue Lion in North Pickenham into a three-bedroom home.

The pub has been shut since 2021, but concerns were raised that its permanent closure would result in a loss to the community and employment in the area.

However, the inspector reviewing the case said there were adequate social activities available for villagers and plenty of other pubs nearby.

The Grade-II listed property stood empty for nearly five years before Wendy and Richard Pyne took it on in 2017 after a community project to raise enough money to purchase the venue fell through.

Mr and Mrs Pyne said they had made extensive efforts to increase trade at The Blue Lion, and later to sell it to new owners, before seeking to convert it into housing.

However, Breckland Council refused to grant planning permission for the development and argued the couple had not demonstrated there was no local need for the pub.

The Pynes appealed this decision to the Planning Inspectorate and said the Pickenham Community Hub, which hosts events including bingo, quizzes and a weekly bar night, provided a sufficient space for locals to meet and drink.

The inspector said: “The hub appears to provide an adequate facility for local residents to meet and socialise.

“As such, I see no reason as to why both facilities would be required in this rural location, with a limited population, to meet the local need for a public house.

“It is also noted that there are other public houses in towns and villages nearby, including Ashill and Swaffham, which may not be accessible to most by foot but would provide alternative options for the residents of North Pickenham if required.”