From: on behalf of DC Secretaries
Subject: FW: 09/01557/F



-----Original Message-----
From: 
Sent: 14 December 2009 20:51
To: Planning
Subject: 09/01557/F

			The Gables, Main Street,Sibford Ferris OX15 5RG
											
Andrew Lewis (Case Officer)
Planning Department
Cherwell District Council
Bodicote House
Bodicote, Banbury OX15 4AA

						12th December 2009		

Re:  Planning Application 09/01557/F

Dear Sir

This letter is notification of our objection to the proposed change of 
use of the Bishops Blaize Inn.    The consequence of de-licensing these 
premises would be to deprive the local community of a popular, much- needed and much appreciated amenity.  Until its unfortunate purchase by the present owner some 3-4years ago, the Bishop Blaize had been successfully operated as licensed premises for many, many years and 
played an irreplaceable part in the social life of the three villages   
Burdrop, Sibford Gower and Sibford Ferris.  Not only was it a valuable meeting point for socialising but also provided a venue for community 
activities such as club meetings and even a Health Awareness Clinic.    
Its fabulous view was a joy shared by all and much appreciated by the many visitors to this lovely and historic part of North Oxfordshire such as walkers and visiting parents of the pupils of Sibford 
School.     And for many of us it was “the local” within walking 
distance where we could interact with our friends and neighbours, enjoy a quiet drink and a bite to eat without the need or the risk of driving further afield.  ( It is worth mentioning also that  there is no public transport through the villages after 6.30p.m. or on a Sunday so local amenities are particularly ‘precious’ to those without their own
transport.)
  
The Bishops Blaize is integral to the historical villages of Burdrop and The Sibfords. Unfortunately since the change of ownership there has 
been a rapid deterioration in the building and its surroundings.    
Clearly the owners feel no responsibility for the preservation of these, or care about the affect their neglect has upon the village as a 
whole.    There is no evidence that there was ever any intention other 
than to close the business as quickly as possible.  The reason given that the business was not viable is not credible bearing in mind the 
past commercial success of the Bishops Blaize.   It would therefore 
seem that the development potential of this property was the only 
reason for its purchase.     If change of use is granted it will be for 
the benefit of only one or two and at the cost of the many who are 
committed to living here.   Remember – there are many examples where 
loss of amenities have led to dying villages.

Yours truly,

Margaret and Robert Gardiner