Is Wandsworth the most pub friendly council
In August 2016, it was suggested that Wandsworth Council in London was potentially the most ‘pub friendly’ Local Authority, as it has introduced Article 4 Directions to restrict changes of use to public houses.
Wandsworth Council wrote:
Wandsworth has cemented its reputation as the ‘most pub-friendly council’ in the country by removing permitted development rights from 120 of the boroughs best loved bars and taverns. It means these valued local venues can no longer be converted into mini-supermarkets, estate agents, homes or shops without the need for planning permission.
Wandsworth is the first local authority in the country to publish ‘Article 4 Directions’ on this scale and the pioneering move could be copied up and down the country to help defend the nation’s vulnerable pub trade.
In recent years an alarming number of local inns and taverns, including many viable and thriving businesses, have been quietly converted into other uses. Councils have been powerless to stop them, as owners have ‘permitted development rights’ allowing them to make the change without the need for planning permission.
The fast spread of mini-supermarkets has exacerbated the problem, with the major chains competing all over the country to find new premises and often choosing to convert pubs rather than taking over existing retail units. But following Wandsworth Council’s ground breaking move all 120 pub owners affected will have to seek approval from the town hall before changing the building use or knocking it down.
In preparation for the Article 4 Directions, the council has already approved new planning guidance which specifically recognises the historic, architectural and community value of Wandsworth’s pubs.
This new policy, which prompted The Publican Morning Advertiser to ask if Wandsworth is officially ‘the country’s most pub-friendly council’, now gives councillors valid grounds to refuse applications to convert any of these 120 venues into another use.
Deputy council leader Jonathan Cook said: ‘Wandsworth’s pubs are now the best protected in the entire country and have a genuine defence against the relentless spread of mini-supermarkets and estate agents. We know how much our residents love their locals and in many cases they really are the epicenter of community life. I’m proud and delighted we’ve found a way to protect them. I very much hope that other councils will follow our lead by adopting pub-friendly planning policies and then stripping away permitted development rights from their local inns, bars and taverns. This could be a real turning point for our nation’s superb but vulnerable pub trade and Wandsworth is more than ready to share its approach with other authorities.’
Geoff Strawbridge, Greater London CAMRA Regional Director, said: ‘I would like to see every planning authority in the country follow Wandsworth’s exemplary initiative in protecting its pubs and bars by removing permitted development rights.’
The 120 bars and pubs were chosen due to their historic or architectural value or because they make a positive contribution to their community.
They include The Alma, The Ship and The Cat’s Back in Wandsworth, The Bricklayers Arms, Arab Boy and Railway in Putney, The Plough , Falcon and The Beehive in Battersea and The Selkirk, Trafalgar Arms and Wheatsheaf in Tooting and the Bedford, Regent and Prince of Wales in Balham. Some pubs that are currently closed have also been given protection, including the White Lion in Putney High Street and The Brewery Tap in Wandsworth High Street. It’s hoped this will give an added incentive to the owners to bring them back into use.
The Article 4 Directions were published on 12 August 2016 and pub owners have all been notified. Following consultation the Directions will need to be confirmed by the council enabling them to come into force in August 2017.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Asset of community value.
- Article 4 directions.
- Britain's Best Real Heritage Pubs.
- Permitted development.
- Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
- IHBC articles.
- Estate agents.
- Planning permission.
- Planning authority.
- The changing face of the English pub.
[edit] External references
IHBC NewsBlog
Ireland’s Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, announced a new funding stream to support Local Authorities (LAs) to purchase vacant buildings that could be converted and developed for community use.
BBC: Eleven Historic English pubs recognised for their interiors
Eleven pubs across England have been recognised for their historic or unusual interiors, as they have been listed, upgraded or relisted.
HEF’s Heritage Sector Resilience Plan launched
The Heritage Sector Resilience Plan, developed by the Historic Environment Forum (HEF) with the support of Historic England, has been launched.
Common Commitment to all Ireland’s heritage – North South Agreement on Vernacular Heritage
An ‘All-Island’ commitment to Ireland’s vernacular heritage has been established with the signing of the North South Agreement on Vernacular Heritage, supporting traditional buildings etc.
Bristol Harbourside landmark Canons House gets GII listing
Canons House, a landmark building on Bristol Harbourside, has been awarded Grade II (GII) listed status having been built as a regional headquarters for Lloyds Bank between 1988 and 1991 (Arup)
BRE/BEIS project to modernise home energy rating scheme
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has announced a new project with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to improve and modernise the home energy rating scheme used to measure the energy and environmental performance of UK homes.
Interdisciplinary IHBC accreditation recognised by CSCS for PQP Cards
Sector lead the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has recognised the IHBC’s professional accreditation and support (CPD etc.) in awarding its PQP (Professionally Qualified Person) cards.
Unearthing the history of Gloucester’s 'the Fleece' Hotel starts
Work to repair a fire-hit medieval hotel in Gloucester is underway as crews have started work to strip back some of the modern trappings and reveal the historic framework.
European Heritage Heads Forum statement on Ukraine
The Secretariat to the European Heritage Heads Forum has has coordinated its declaration of solidarity and support for Ukraine’s cultural heritage institutions.
Welcome to #IHBC25 – 25 years since we turned professional
2022 will see the IHBC mark a quarter of a century since our incorporation as a professional body supporting and accrediting built and historic environment conservation specialists. We’re kick-starting it by inviting your ideas on how to mark this special year!