The Local Plan policy HW4 provides that one condition under which a change of use can be permitted to result in the loss of a community asset is that an alternative is provided. WACA’s view on this is as follows:

• The buyers have stated that they have no intention of reopening the pub or providing an alternative facility.
• No appropriate alternative exists within Old Town.  With the previous closure of the Mount Skip Inn, the Hare and Hounds is the only remaining pub in the village.  The next-closest pub, The Robin Hood Inn in Pecket Well, is at 1.2 miles, a similar distance from the Hare and Hounds as the Hebden Bridge town centre.  Aside from the pub, evening social infrastructure is absent. The Post Office and café are day-time operations. Wainsgate Chapel hosts occasional events, and the Community Centre is mostly pre-booked and not used informally. There is no welcoming, informal space open in the evenings or over the entire weekend where residents can drop in without a booking or specific reason.  Evening social infrastructure is absent. The Post Office and café are day-time operations. Wainsgate Chapel hosts occasional events, and the community centre is mostly pre-booked and not used informally. There is no welcoming, informal space open in the evenings or over the entire weekend where residents can drop in without a booking or specific reason.  Existing facilities in the village – although valued by the community – are limited.