Village heart 'ripped out' by pub closure amid hopes to reopen it but developer has conversion plans for three terraced houses

There are calls to save a much-loved traditional Gloucestershire pub as its closure “feels like the heart has been ripped from the village”. The Nag’s Head in Oldcroft Road, Yorkley Slade closed last month and now developers want to turn it into three terraced houses.

Lydney Developments Ltd’s plans to redevelop the site were rejected yesterday (November 12) by the Forest of Dean District Council. However, whether the proposals are approved will be decided by a planning inspector as the developers have lodged an appeal against the council for non-determination.

The applicant's viability report claims the pub is not viable due to limited cover numbers and declining sales. They also say the building is in poor condition throughout, with its kitchen not in a commercial format and of poor quality.

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Some 38 people objected to the proposals as the pub is seen by many as the “social heart” of the village. And Oldcroft resident David Sanderson, who spoke at the development management committee meeting on November 12, said the Nags Head was always full of laughter.

He objected to the proposal to convert the housing and said the council should designate it as an asset of community value. “It’s a vibrant community pub,” he said.

“Two skittles teams, crib, billiards, the meeting place for the cricket club and the footballers, the Mummers practice there and on Wednesdays there was an OAPs club.

“Thousands raised for charity, I could go on. The pub was and once again can be the genuine asset of community value.

“I ask in my submission for the council to designate it as such. Please do so.”

He said the applicant failed miserably to demonstrate it’s not a viable business. And neither have they tested the market.

West Dean Parish Councillor Steve Dunford also spoke against the proposals. He said the pub had always been the social hub for Oldcroft and Yorkley for as long as can be remembered. “The value of community places like the Nag is evident from the sheer number of people who have registered their objections to these plans and are really hopeful they can retain it as a community asset.

“It is, and always has been, a traditional Forest pub. A venue to meet with others and engage in traditional activities such as skittles and crib. It was a place to mark the milestones of life. The Nag has always been there.”

Ward Councillor Jackie Dale (G, Pillowell) said she had received many messages from residents concerned over the pub’s closure. She said one person said it felt the heart had been taken out of the area.

Another said visiting the pub over the last 20 years made them feel such a part of the village. “The Nag’s is more than a pub,” she said.

“This application just doesn’t feel right. There’s a lack of transparency about the sale of the Nag’s.

“The Nag’s has been badly maintained and run down by the pub co who let down their landlady Myra and the community. A retirement does not mean the pub doors need to close forever.”

She said the viability report omits critical details and contains inaccuracies. Cllr John Francis (I, Longhope and Huntley) said in the debate that things seemed to be moving very quickly.

“One minute it’s a pub, next minute it’s actually going up for conversion,” he said. He moved the officer’s recommendation and this was seconded by Cllr Simon Phelps (I, Westbury-on-Severn).

And Cllr Patrick Kyne (L, Coleford) said someone needs to come up with a plan to save the pub. “I believe it really is a viable proposition. Pubs are very important.

“Someone once said they are the front room of the village. And it’s true, it’s not just bricks and mortar.”

All 11 councillors voted unanimously to indicate they support the residents’ views and would have rejected the proposal if it were their decision.