Decision details

a) The nomination for The Blacksmith Arms Biggin Sherburn in Elmet is successful and meets the definition of community value as detailed in the Localism Act 2011
b) It should be placed on the North Yorkshire Council Assets of Community Value List of Successful Nominations

The Blacksmith Arms has been a public house for many years and is at the heart of the local
community.
The parish council believes it is a place generally, to share information and socialise, where
knowledge and skills can be shared, learnt and a place to sell and promote local businesses
and products.
Without this asset in the village many residents would struggle with social isolation and local
groups may not have an alternative venue in which to hold their regular meetings and annual
events. Those who do not drive may find it considerably inconvenient and expensive to travel
to other venues in surrounding villages The Blacksmith Arms has been a focal point of the
village for many years and is used as a social hub for residents to meet with friends and family,
hosting cultural events and activities within the village.
It is a place where the public can discuss issues of concern, to celebrate local, national, and
charitable events. It is also used by local families and the wider community to come together
for family fun days, barbecues, and weekly quiz/bingo nights. The pub also hosts regular live
music, Christmas fairs and charitable support events.
Biggin Parish Council believe The Blacksmith Arms is at the heart of the village
geographically, socially, culturally, and that it is essential to the social wellbeing of the village
residents and wider community.
The use as a public house, meeting venue and community hub has been continuous, and it
reasonable to think the property will be used as a public house and as a community hub in the
future. It is realistic that if the owners did not renew their lease, or if the land were sold, the
public house would continue under the same directive. Therefore, it is considered central to
the local community’s wellbeing and an asset of community value.