Arundel and South Downs MP criticises further delays to Angel Inn rebuild

Arundel and South Downs MP Andrew Griffith has voiced his frustration over further delays to the rebuilding of the Angel Inn site in Midhurst, warning that the town’s patience is running out.

Following the latest announcement from the South Downs National Park Authority, Mr Griffith has written to residents who previously responded to his Angel Inn survey, expressing concern that the long-awaited redevelopment has slipped back again.

The MP said the latest setback follows a series of assurances which have failed to materialise.

In June, residents were told a planning application would be submitted “within a matter of weeks”. More recently, plans had been expected to be lodged during the summer, but the latest update indicates autumn is now the earliest likely timetable.

Mr Griffith said the delay underlined why he launched his campaign ahead of the third anniversary of the fire, which was backed by a petition signed by more than 1,000 local residents.

At the time, he said he faced criticism from those involved in the project who argued his intervention was unnecessary because progress was imminent. He believes the latest delay shows those assurances were misplaced.

Mr Griffith warned that while responsibility for the site continues to be passed between organisations, businesses in Midhurst are continuing to suffer.

Independent traders have faced years of uncertainty and disruption, with some now experiencing an increasingly difficult fight for survival. He warned that once businesses close, they may not return.

The Arundel and South Downs MP has also repeated his call for the South Downs National Park Authority and Chichester District Council to prepare compulsory purchase powers alongside the planning process.

While he said compulsory purchase would not be the preferred option, he believes both authorities should have prepared a contingency plan using the powers available to them rather than allowing further delays without a clear backstop.

He has also urged Chichester District Council to complement its support for Midhurst festivals with direct financial assistance for businesses continuing to suffer the economic impact of the stalled redevelopment.

The latest statement from the South Downs National Park reads: 

Works are continuing on the site of the former Tuck Shop/Olive and Vine to ensure that all repairs to the neighbouring building are finalised before work starts on the remainder of the site, which includes the former Angel Inn.

The current work started at the end of June and follows the South Downs National Park Authority granting listed building consent for the partial dismantling of the former Tuck Shop/Olive and Vine, next to the former Angel Inn, following an application by the site’s owners.

Further progress is now being made on a planning application for both sites. It comes after a project group – which is made up of the site owners, their specialist advisors Manorwood, Cllr Yvonne Graveley from West Sussex County Council and the National Park Authority – have been reviewing all available options to bring the site back into use.

All reports, surveys and assessments have been commissioned and a number of specialists are working together to provide all the information needed for a full planning and Listed Building application.

The applications will also contain clear details on the phasing of the proposed development – so all can see at what stage the hoarding will be reduced, the pavement reopened, and when changes can be expected to the buildings.

Some of the specialist surveys and documents have taken longer than expected to produce, however, the application is actively being prepared and is expected to be submitted to the National Park Authority in the autumn.

Andrew Griffith MP said: "The people of Midhurst have been promised action time and again, only to see deadlines come and go.

"Enough is enough. Leadership means setting deadlines, meeting them, and having a clear plan if they are missed.

"Residents and local businesses deserve action, not another round of excuses."

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