CPRE Shropshire is one of few branches nationally to have a dedicated heritage adviser.

The sample building shown here (see photograph) illustrates all too clearly why CPRE make representations to the Local Authority upon receipt of applications for listed building or planning (conservation area) consent which affect major or important buildings in Shropshire.

In this instance CPRE noted that the application had a deficient Heritage Statement that failed to acknowledge the likely origin of the coaching inn, especially its medieval core. It further failed to recognise the importance of the coaching inn via the attached malthouse and other outbuildings, all of which reflected how it had operated since the early 19th century. Refusal of a scheme which only retained the frontage and lost all of this operational evidence, was issued by the Local Authority.
 

The photos show the importance of the building in the street scene, in the conservation area, and in its own right as a coaching inn. It also has another interesting facet with tales of how one bar in Shropshire could open on Sundays whilst the bar located in Wales had to close, when Sunday closing was in operation. This was due to the fact that the boundary between Shropshire and Powys runs down its central spine, but this only adds to the difficulties for Local Authority administration.

A very long period of abandonment both before and after the application continues to give concern. CPRE (Shropshire) are continuing to monitor the situation and press Shropshire Council via a local councillor to serve notices to stimulate resale and re-use.