We are greatly disappointed to hear of planning permission being applied for to change the use of a gem of a pub in our own branch area, this being The Bell at Withybed Corner in Walton-on-the-Hill. If successful, it would see The Bell converted to a single dwelling, as applied for in Reigate and Banstead Council's Planning Application Summary Ref. No. 25/00577/F.

The pub (known locally as The Rat) is of significant interest which, although not a listed building in itself, is one of only 300 pubs nationwide to have been awarded the CAMRA Pub Heritage Group’s highest three-star rating as having “a pub interior of outstanding national historic importance”.

To lose this pub would represent a significant loss to community it serves but also to an important piece of our history.

If you feel as strongly as we do about this planning application and seeing this historic pub disappear for ever, please submit a comment to Reigate and Banstead Council Planning Committee, by following the link below:

https://planning.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=STPYUNMVLP400

Comments must be submitted by 23rd May 2025.

Together we may be able to help save this historic pub for the enjoyment of future generations of pub-goers.

---