A START was made on Monday evening (June 12) towards a village keeping a pub as just that, instead of the building being turned into four houses. 

About 60 people turned out for the inaugural meeting of “Save The Red” group at Tedburn St Mary Village Hall.  

The pub was closed last July.

Terry Tume, who has owned the pub for at least four years, has applied to Teignbridge District Council for change of use and conversion of the Red Lion Inn and its flat into four houses with gardens and parking.  

It was explained at the meeting that several people had been talking about the idea for the village somehow taking over the pub, for it to become a community pub or hub, maybe an Asset of Community Value for a long time, before the planning application was made.

“Several people do not agree with us but I know the village can support two pubs as it has for generations,” was said.  “This pub was really well supported.”

There was a brief explanation of the planning application and how the Plunkett Foundation could help the Save The Red group. 

There was advice about making an objection with people being told the more individuals who wrote to the district council with objections, the better.  Full details are on the district council website (www.teignbridge.gov.uk/planning) with June 28 being the cut off date. 

“Our primary objective is for the Red Lion to remain a pub,” it was said.  “It is a chance to future-proof the village for generations to come.  This has always been a strong village.”

Tedburn St Mary Parish Council objected to the planning application at its June meeting because of lack of parking spaces, impact on neighbours and on the village as a community.

Twenty-eight members of the public went to that meeting to ask about the application.

The name of the pub dates back to when James I (James VI of Scotland) became King of England in 1603.  When he inherited the throne he said that certain public buildings should display the red lion to signify loyalty to the Monarch.