Save The Red Lion group

Many of you will already be aware of our group, so please bear with us while we introduce ourselves to all readers.

When the Red Lion closed in 2017 a small, determined, band of peeple decided to try to save the pub from development, and see it open as a successful the pub once more. The Parish Council had already worked to have the pub registered as an Asset of Community Value.

Along the journey the group established the Stathern Community Benefit Society, registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. This was necessary to establish a share option scheme with the objective of raising funds to purchase the Red Lion, during the brief period the owner put the pub on the market. The share option scheme successfully raised significant funds and was closing in on its target. However, the scheme had to be closed to further investment when the pub was quickly taken off the market.

The owner of the pub has submitted two planning applications since 2017, which were both withdrawn before Melton Planning made a decision. A third planning application was submitted in December 2023. The Save the Red Lion Group, through Stathern Community Benefit Society submitted a robust objection to these plans. What’s more, over 100 objections to the latest plans were submitted. A sound testament to the volume of support for the return of the Red Lion as a pub.

The Save the Red Lion Group has remained committed and active over the last 7 years, and continues to meet regularly every month to review actions and ensure we plan next steps. While currently fighting the latest planning application we are communicating with our Local Councillors, our Local MP, and Melton Borough Council, to raise our group’s profile, and press for the revival of the Red Lion.

If you are interested in saving the Red Lion, a valued asset to our village, and are not already included in our circulation list but would like to receive our regular newsletter, then please send an email to redlioncommunitvaroup@gmail.com and we’ll pop you on our circulation list.