Historic Leeds pub's future secured

THE LONG-term future of Britain's oldest inn has been secured after Leeds City Council rubber-stamped a proposal to add it to a list of protected sites.

The Bingley Arms on Church Lane, Bardsey, dates back to 953AD and is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest in Britain.

Bardsey Parish Council nominated the pub to be added to Leeds City Council’s List of Assets of Community Value.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The parish council were seeking to ensure the Bingley Arms will be used as a pub and restaurant in the longer term.

Under the Localism Act of 2011, communities can to identify important land or buildings to be classed as Assets of Community Value.

The classification gives communities the right of a fair chance to buy the land or property. If the owner decides to sell, eligible community groups have six weeks to confirm whether or not they want to submit a bid.

If they did inform the council they want to bid, the landowner would be prevented from selling the property to other buyers for six months.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Bingley Arms is currently owned by Punch Taverns and is run by landlord Ryan Sugden.

Mr Sugden said: “The parish council came to us and said they wanted to maker the pub a community asset.

“It makes sense for it to stay a pub and not be turned into houses or flats. It is the heart of the community.

“There are no immediate plans for Punch to sell it, but it’s just a matter of protecting it for the future.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A report to Leeds city Council’s chief officer economy and regeneration states: “The Bingley Arms is a popular venue used by a wide range of people and is an important venue within the local community.”