The Save the Fox & Hounds Campaign is working to keep this much-loved Cotswolds gem in its place at the heart of the community. Once a successful destination pub with fabulous food and a B and B, it can again be a thriving business.

The Fox and Hounds is in a beautiful North Cotswold village in a conservation area (AONB) . This wonderful pub dates back to the 17th century and was an award-winning example of a rural business at its best. The Fox & Hounds was a magnet for locals as well as a destination pub for those from miles away. This historic inn, with its old beams and fireplace, was the beating heart of the surrounding village communities. For background on the Campaign and details of all Applications for change of use and Appeal Decision in December 2024, please see The Story So Far

UPDATE NOVEMBER 20TH, 2025

The owners were given permission to convert the pub into two houses last December. The Campaign made a Claim (as a Judicial Review) to the High Court to quash the Appeal Decision that had been made by the Planning Inspectorate (Secretary of State). We went to the court on Tuesday for the Hearing. Sir Peter Lane, a retired High Court Judge was presiding. Simon Bell, barrister for the pub Campaign, set out our arguments which were well prepared and expertly presented to the court. These included:

• The mode of determination (i.e. written representations rather than a hearing) at the Appeal was not appropriate given the level of public interest. There were 235 objections and the pub is listed as an Asset of Community Value.

• No explanation from The Planning Inspectorate as to why a hearing procedure for the Appeal was not used, despite requests from the Wolford's Joint Parish Council and the Campaign for this mode.

• Inconsistencies with the Appeal Inspector’s Decision letter when compared with the Parish Council's representation.

• A material consideration was not taken into account that 2 potential buyers were willing to purchase and operate the pub as a going concern.

We must now wait for the Judge to make his deferred judgment. This will be published hopefully before Christmas. If we win, the Appeal Decision will be quashed and a new Appeal will be held, we assume during 2026.  
 
Huge thanks to those who were present at the High Court Hearing - your moral support was much appreciated.
We can’t thank our supporters enough for all the support and the donations which allowed this legal challenge to take place.

We will, of course, post here when we have the result.

The Save the Fox and Hounds Campaign Committee