I came home to find that Medway Council has granted the Royal Oak Asset of Community Value Status! This is great news and means if the pub is sold that the community has 6 months to raise funds to buy it. However we have won a battle not the war. Still have just a few days to object to demolition. It is not enough to have signed the petition you must click on this link and tell the council you object. It doesn't matter whether you are a registered voter for this or not: https://publicaccess.medway.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=_MEDWA_DCAPR_141396 When writing your objection it can only be based on ‘material considerations’ e.g: The fact that the pub is an asset of community value! • The design of a development. The design should be high quality and in keeping with the original property and street scene • The effect on historic buildings, conservation areas and protected trees • The potential effect on homes nearby, including loss of light, loss of outlook, closeness, loss of privacy and noise disturbance • Any effect on vehicle, pedestrian or cycle safety. • Loss of amenity the value to the community of having a pub and the potential for employment provided • The fact the pub is still viable and only closed as sold to developer not the landlord • The fact the pub is being considered for listing by Historic England and as an Asset of Community value More guidance on writing an objection can be found here http://www.rtpi.org.uk/media/1065644/commenting_on_planning_applications.pdf and from CAMRA here http://www.camra.org.uk/documents/10180/21105/dealing_with_planning_applications__short_guide_.pdf/e1733499-2a74-4d93-a6c3-464733d24598 We need your help! The more objections the more seriously the council will look at saving the pub. Tell your friends!