THE developer of a site, that was a popular pub, has withdrawn their appeal against planning refusal by South Gloucestershire Council.

Members of the Birds Residents Group and Dodington Parish Council had been preparing for a public hearing, which was scheduled for next month, after the ‘Save the Tern’ campaign which ran for over a year.

Developer plans for 26 flats and a private car park on the site were rejected by South Glos Council in July 2017, but an appeal at this refusal threatened to overturn the decision.

However it now seems that the proposals have been completely thrown out after Amanda Sutherland, acting as an agent for the developers, informed SGC: “It is with regret that I must advise that my clients have instructed me to withdraw the appeal.”

This left homeowners in the area pleased, with Mr Ken Thomas (Chairman of the Residents Group), revealing that the community support was a success.

“We just have to wait and see what happens next,” he said.

“We have had a lot of support from the community which has been fantastic.

“As a group we need to reserve judgement though, it is good news but it may not be over yet.”

Dodington Parish Councillor Paul Hulbert is also a resident of the Birds Estate, and whilst speaking in a personal capacity admitted that the appeal withdrawal is the next step in a long battle.

“It is good news that the overcrowded proposal has been refused,” he said.

“What happens next is the question we are asking. As a community we want to see the pub open and the car park back in use.”

The old pub, which has been closed since June 2017, and car park are currently listed as Assets of Community Value (ACV) on the Local Authority Register. This was following a successful nomination by Dodington Parish Council at the end of 2016.

MP Luke Hall also wrote a letter to South Glos Council urging them to reject the original plans for the old Tern site and supported the application for ACV listing.

Mr Hall revealed that he would continue to offer his support to the campaign.