Shrewsbury pub fire: Call made for reconstruction of 'charming' building after planners say it 'must be demolished'
Shrewsbury’s civic society has called for the reconstruction of a fire-ravaged pub after planners were told it “must be demolished".
The Oxon Priory pub in Shelton, Shrewsbury went up in flames at night on Monday, October 6, with a trail of destruction left behind after a suspected arson attack.
It came just a few months after the Greene King pub shut its doors to the public and was boarded up.
This week the national pub chain submitted plans to bulldoze the venue, with a report saying that the three storey section of the building “must be demolished in order to avoid potential instability and uncontrolled collapse.”
The news has been met with disappointment, including from the Shrewsbury Civic Society, an organisation which looks to preserve the built environment and celebrate the history of the county town.
Chairman Michael Dinneen said that buildings can typically be repaired, “if there is will to do so”.
“Shrewsbury Civic Society was saddened when the Oxon Priory ceased trading last year, only then to catch fire causing significant damage to the once popular pub,” Mr Dinneen said.
“This charming former vicarage sits on a prominent corner site at Shelton and as such is of more than just local importance.
“We do not refute the findings of the structural inspection carried out by PSA Design but question if the option of stabilisation, protection and reconstruction has been explored.
“Drone footage does show that walls have indeed lost much restraint, but it should be considered that there are a large number of cross walls that could offer adequate restraint to allow operatives to carry out safe stabilisation works by working from the current safe areas towards the areas with most damage.
“Typically, buildings, particularly historic ones, can be fully repaired if there is will to do so.
“We also ask if there was an asbestos report when the building was in use, and whether this has been reviewed to ensure that any demolition does not disturb any material that may pollute the air or water supplies.
“We trust that Shropshire Council will consider the character of the area as well as the many fond memories of patrons when considering the application for demolition.
“Oxon Priory is an important landmark and whilst it may no longer be viable as a pub, it could readily be converted and extended if a conversion back to residential use was desired.”
The demolition work is expected to be started and finished this month (November 2025), council planners have been told. The original two and three storey sections of the building are estimated to have been built circa 1900.
Three boys, one aged 12 and two 13-year-olds, were arrested on suspicion of arson. They have been released on bail as police investigations continue.
The plans can be seen on the Shropshire Council planning website with the reference 25/04054/DEM.
You can find out more about planning applications and planned roadworks where you live by visiting publicnoticeportal.uk