THE historic Hermit pub in Burley Woodhead has been put up for sale via auction despite a campaign to have it listed as an Asset of Community Value.

Auction House West Yorkshire is marketing The Hermit Inn at Burley Woodhead with vacant possession and with a guide price of £425,000 saying it will appeal to: “the savvy publican, investor or developer.”

The business closed last year and a planning application was submitted to Bradford Council to convert the pub to housing, but the application was withdrawn before a decision could be made.

A group called Save the Hermit subsequently formed to try and secure an Asset of Community Value listing, which would protect The Hermit from development and require the owner to offer it for sale to the community.

Burley Woodhead resident Nicholas Hooper who is co-ordinating the Save the Hermit campaign said: “Burley Parish Council have now made an application to Bradford Council for the Hermit to be listed as an Asset of Community value (ACV) which if granted will give the pub some limited protection. We are also canvassing support in the village regarding the possibility of raising funds to make a community ownership bid for the pub.

“Our bottom line is that the Hermit should, with a new committed owner, become once again a successful inn serving the local community, walkers and tourists.”

Former Keighley MP and Burley in Wharfedale resident John Grogan who has been advising the campaign said: “It is very disappointing that the Hermit is being marketed at the forthcoming auction not just as a pub but also as a development opportunity.

“The application to make the property an asset of community value is a clear signal to any potential speculator that the local community will fight hard to retain it as a public house.”

The auction takes place on Wednesday, May 12 at noon.

The Save the Hermit Campaign can be contacted at: Nhooper1956@googlemail.com