Members of Ross-on-Wye Town Council’s Planning and Development Committee agreed to recommend to Full Council that the Larruperz Centre, Tudorville and District Community Centre, the Quaker Meeting House, The Town and Country Trail, the Gresley’s Village Green and John Kyrle’s House (which houses Colemans Stationers) be nominated as assets of Community Value.

The committee discussed the possible inclusion of several assets at the meeting held at the Corn Exchange on Tuesday, December 13th.

The Deputy Clerk explained that hotels and private residences did not meet the criteria. She was still waiting for confirmation that places of worship are eligible.

Councillor Chris Bartrum asked that the 17th Century John Kyrle’s House be included but the Deputy Town Clerk advised that she thought it would not be eligible as it is not a community meeting place.

At the Full Meeting of Ross Town Council on Monday, January 9th, members discussed the proposed new Assets of Community Value. Councillor Chris Bartrum asked why John Kyrle’s House was not deemed eligible.

The Town Clerk, Sarah Robson, said that the property does have historical value, and in terms of community value the house is protected by building legislation, through listed building consent. But she added that as it is now a business, it may not be eligible.

Cllr Bartrum said that eight pubs in Ross-on-Wye have been put forward by CAMRA as Assets of Community Value, and they are all businesses. He argued that this could not on its own be a reason why John Kyrle’s House was not considered as an Asset of Community Value.

Ms Robson said: "At the end of the day, this council can make a recommendation to Hereford. We can send the list as it is, and they will deem if John Kyrle’s House meets the criteria."

Ross Town Council voted unanimously to send all of the of the suggestions to Herefordshire Council.