Grade II listed Picturesque Location
The Honest Miller
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Once a locals favourite and a thriving business, now in need of conservation and rejuvenation.
Multi-use Spaces
The Coach House
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Fantastic opportunity to reinstate a village shop/coffee shop/bike stop.
ABOUT
THE HONEST MILLER
The pub was put up for sale by its owners, Admiral Taverns, in March 2020. It was bought by a Buckinghamshire-based development company, Churchill Property Trading Limited (CPTL), in May 2020.
In July, the developer sought pre-application advice from Ashford Borough Council (ABC) to build 9 dwellings on the land. An application to develop only two dwellings was subsequently made. Neither the pre-application nor the formal planning application made any mention of the pub. The planning application was withdrawn on 21 December, following feedback from ABC.
In January 2021, agents acting on behalf of CPTL objected to the pub being reinstated as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by stating in writing:
“The future use of the building as a Public House cannot reasonably be expected to continue within the next five years, based on the past and recent background of the building and given its current condition and status, as a derelict, vacant building in a state of disrepair...”
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In August 2021, the development company made a planning application for the development of the pub and land. Their application included the erection of four new homes built on the land, an update to the pub and the conversion of the Coach House into holiday let accommodation.
This was put forward as part of an application for enabling development, that in order to bring the pub back into full use again they need the projected funds from building the houses and developing the land.
A very large majority of the residents of Brook have objected strongly to this planning application. Objections have been wide and varied, well in excess of 100, coming from local organisations, public bodies and individuals.
You can head to the ABC website to read the objections in full. Application 1569 and listed building consent application 1570
The developers (and the village) are still awaiting the outcome of this planning application.
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A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE
The STHM Group was set-up originally by Brook residents, who have the sole interests of Brook and the wider community at heart but has since now been joined by 150+ different households in Brook and the surrounding area.
We have always been clear form the offset that we do not speak for everyone. But as a group, we fundamentally disagree with Churchill Property’s position and feel there is a viable alternative to sustain the future of the pub, which doesn’t require carving up the land for houses.
We feel that Kent has plenty of available developable land for much-needed new housing. The developers have bought a pub, the last asset of community value in our village and in doing so bought land far cheaper than the equivalent value for developable land in Kent.
We strongly believe the pub can both function and thrive as a community owned asset.
We feel that the USP of the pub and the viability of its future very much depends on the land being part of the offer. What makes the pub truly special is its position, at the foothills of the Downs in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s this unique position that really sets it apart.
Our detailed business plan has all the elements which the village wants: a shop, a viable destination pub and an asset which can and will be used by the entire village. This is without the need for the development of houses and which is contrary to development plan policy.
It is worth noting community run pubs maintain an impressive survival rate of 100%, according to a report by industry body, The Plunkett Foundation. It is also crucial to note that a pub set-up under the business model of a community pub opens itself up to many alternative funding routes.
This includes the new Community Ownership Fund, announced by the government, which is designed to financially support local communities looking to purchase assets of value to them. Applicants can apply for match-funded capital, up to £250,000, to go towards the acquisition of the building and refurbishment costs.
If you would like to hear more from the STHM Group about our plans, please get in touch at: savethehm@gmail.com.
As always, we remain respectful towards alternative viewpoints, and we do not speak for everyone.
Thanks. STHM Group x
The Best of Local
The pub, it's land and location are unique as a destination pub and glamping business.
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With a kitchen garden on site, The Miller would aim to keep down the food miles to create a truly local menu from the best of Kent.
Community Vision
We want to create a multi use business which caters equally for tourism and the local community.
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The pub will act as a community hub, education and workshop venue and local shop for essentials.