It was acquired by new owners, a local couple who had sold their cottage in the village and bought the pub in August 2020. Initially there was optimism that the popular pub would continue to trade once the pandemic had subsided. Indeed, the new owners gave an early indication that the pub would soon re-open albeit for ‘drinks only’, i.e. a wet trade pub. Renovation works on the Georgian property, with private grounds of around an acre, were started that same autumn, with initial planning permission sought over the winter months for some minor structural alterations. It was proposed that a reduced space would be afforded to the pub, for serving drinks, allowing an increased area to be used by the new owners as their family home.

This application was withdrawn by the owners however before reaching the council’s planning committee a period of uncertainty followed, during which time building works at The White Swan continued to transform the interior and exterior spaces, making the car park into a private garden.

The villagers rallied and formed a Save Our Swan group who continue to meet regularly. We want to see the pub returned to the heart of our community and would welcome and support anyone wanting to share our vision.

You can find out more about our vision here.

In June 2021 a new planning application was submitted by the owners, with permission sought for change of use to convert the inn to a five-bedroom private dwelling - after a record number of objections this was rejected by a unanimous decision of Ryedale District Council (21/00861/FUL).

In May 2023 a planning inspector dismissed a planning appeal 22/00007/REF stating that the pub’s social value to the community was of significance and that it had the potential to be a viable business. Following this decision the property was placed on the market in December 2023 again with a residential estate agent. An Asset of Community Value was registered on the pub in August 2021 .

In August 2023 a Community Benefit Society was officially registered.