'This is now a call to arms' - Midhurst residents demand action on Angel Inn site

It has been three years since a devastating fire ruined the historic hotel and triggered prolonged disruption along North Street.

Over the past month, there has been some momentum as the owners gear up to present plans for demolition and reconstruction to the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA).

Mr Griffith – Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs – believes this has taken too long and wants to see the local planning authorities ‘take full control of the situation’, using compulsory purchase powers (CPO) as a ‘backstop to force progress if necessary’.

The MP recently launched a survey, inviting residents and traders to share their views on the future of the Angel Inn.

And he has now exclusively shared the results with the Midhurst & Petworth Observer.

Conducted over the past 30 days, the survey received more than 940 responses – representing ‘more than one in four households in the town’.

The findings point to a clear and consistent message from residents: that delays have gone on long enough and action should now be taken quickly.

Given a range of options for the site’s future, the most popular response was that it has been long enough and work should proceed without further delay. Respondents also showed a strong preference for pragmatic, compromise-led solutions rather than a conservation-first approach.

Almost all respondents (96 per cent) said compulsory purchase powers should be used, with three quarters believing the time to act is now.

Mr Griffith said this was a ‘huge and definitive survey’.

He added: “I am not at all surprised by these findings as I know and share residents’ frustration.

“This is now a call to arms for all the various public bodies involved to bring forward a planning application immediately and in parallel to start the work on a compulsory purchase order. No more excuses, no more delays. For Midhurst’s sake, let’s just get this sorted!”

The survey also explored how long residents believe the council should wait before using its powers, with the ‘overwhelming majority favouring immediate action’ and ‘very little support for any further delay’.

The SDNPA has long said that compulsory purchase of the site is not the answer: “Compulsory purchase powers are complex, and all other routes need to be exhausted before they are considered and granted by the courts.

"At this time our priority is to work with the landowners to unlock development of the site as soon as possible. We are encouraged by the recent positive momentum to achieve this and will support this in any way we can.”

Councillor Yvonne Gravely, has been working with the owners, their specialist advisors and the SDNPA since August.

“Following another meeting only last week with the owners, their advisors – a specialist heritage and architectural specialist, and SDNPA, I am pleased to say that everyone understands what information is still required, everyone is on the same page and working together" she said.

"Real progress is being made, and we are hopeful of a positive outcome, which will benefit the town, measured in weeks rather than months.”

On the question of the Angel Inn façade, which has significantly deteriorated over the past three years, views were more mixed.

Around 42 per ent of respondents said they had no strong preference and simply wanted progress made quickly. Nearly a quarter said they would be content with a facsimile of the building’s frontage, but did not believe there was historic value in reusing original materials.

Just two per cent felt that everything possible should be done to conserve the existing structure, while around 41 per cent supported a balanced approach between speed and heritage.

Residents were also asked about the disruption likely to be caused by initial site works on North Street. The MP noted there would inevitably be a ‘pain-point’ when scaffolding is removed and the site cleared, requiring road closures.

Around half of respondents said they would accept a short, seven-day closure to allow work to proceed quickly. A third (33 per cent) said they would prefer a slower, more cautious approach, even if it meant North Street being reduced to an alternative single lane under temporary traffic controls for a longer period.

In additional comments, many residents voiced frustration at the length of time the site has remained unresolved, with repeated calls that ‘enough is enough’ and to ‘get the job done’ after three years of disruption, including impacts on local businesses. Many also said they wanted to see the full re-opening of the pavement in North Street as soon as possible.

Some respondents called for the town’s heritage character to be maintained, with hopes that elements such as a facsimile frontage could be incorporated into any future development.