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Cherwell District Council writes:<\/p>\n
Cherwell District Council obtained a warrant under the Planning Act 1990 to enter the Grade II listed building and assess its overall condition.<\/p>\n
Officers from the council\u2019s planning enforcement, conservation, and building control teams entered the property on Tuesday, 27 February. They found it is structurally sound and watertight despite being out of use since 2007.<\/p>\n
The move to obtain the warrant came after the current owner failed to respond to the council\u2019s requests for updates on their plans to protect the building.<\/p>\n
Councillor Dan Sames, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Development, said:\u00a0\u201cBanbury\u2019s historic buildings are a key part of the town\u2019s identity. We are committed to protecting and conserving these special pieces of the district\u2019s heritage.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Unicorn Hotel dates back to the 17th century and is thought to have been built around the time of the Civil War when Banbury was under siege and many buildings were destroyed. We appreciate the public concern over the sad fate of this important local landmark.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope our findings are reassuring to anyone worried about the Unicorn. We will continue to engage with the current owner of the property over its long term future.\u201d<\/p>\n
The building is included on the\u00a0National Heritage List\u00a0for its architectural and historic interest. The council has also proposed entering it on the Historic England Buildings at Risk Register.<\/p>\n
Read more….<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Cherwell District Council (DC) reports that it has obtained a warrant and entered the former Unicorn Hotel pub on Market Square in Banbury following failure of the owner to respond to requests for updates on their plans to protect the … Continue reading