Plans to renovate a Grade II listed pub building in an East Sussex village have been unveiled after locals clubbed together to buy it.

When the only pub in Iden, near Rye, was threatened with closure residents sprang into action to save it.

Since The Bell Inn closed its doors in June 2023, residents came together to try and buy the pub and install a tenant to run it.

Villagers set up a not-for-profit community benefit society and drew up plans to acquire the pub for the community.

Now The Bell Inn Iden Community Limited has submitted proposals to Rother District Council for a full repair and refurbishment of the building after raising £312,000.

The plans include internal and external alterations, air source heat pumps and a fire escape staircase, together with guest rooms at first-floor level.

Other elements of the scheme include a storage shed and bin store, changes to the car park, an extended patio seating area and solar panels on the roof of an outbuilding.

A design and access statement by RX Architects, on behalf of the applicant, said: “The proposals have been brought forward by The Bell Inn Iden Community Benefit Society, which was established with the objective of securing the future of the village's historic public house and restoring it to an active and sustainable role within the community.

“The society successfully raised £312,000 through a Community Share Offer in early 2026, enabling the purchase of the property and demonstrating a significant level of local support for its restoration and continued use.

“The purpose of the proposed works is to repair, restore and sensitively adapt the building so that it can once again operate as a viable public house, whilst introducing complementary guest accommodation and improving the building's environmental performance, accessibility, safety and overall functionality.

“The building is Grade II Listed and has historically played an important role as a place of hospitality, social interaction and community activity.

“The property has suffered from prolonged underinvestment and was closed in 2023. The resulting vacancy and deterioration present an ongoing risk to the condition of the building and its contribution to the village.

“The Bell Inn is also designated as an Asset of Community Value, reflecting its importance to the local community.

“The proposals have been developed with the listed status of the building as a primary consideration. The approach is based on minimal and proportionate intervention, retaining and repairing historic fabric wherever possible.

“The intention is to improve the appearance and condition of the property while retaining its architectural and historic character. The principal use of the property will remain as a public house, restoring its established role within the village.”

The Bell has served as a pub since at least the 17th century.

The applications RR/2026/1130 and RR/2026/1128 can be viewed online via the planning section of the Rother District Council website at www.rother.gov.uk/planning.

Comments on the applications may be submitted online through the same website or by email to [email protected].