Southwark Council has slapped Article 4 directions on the borough’s pubs, in effect withdrawing permitted development rights for change of use, demolition and alteration.
The decision, approved by the planning committee last week, aims to prevent the loss of pubs to housing development under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Over the past 10 years, 79 pubs have closed their doors, 54 of which were subject to demolition or change of use − around a third of the borough’s total.
This does not mean pubs in Southwark are immune from redevelopment, but it does ensure any development will require planning permission.
Southwark Council said: “It is recognised that in some cases pubs will not always be able to remain operational and in some cases redevelopment may offer the best solution for a pub site. However, given the historical and community significance of pubs and the contribution which they make to local neighbourhoods, it is considered each pub should be subject to a full planning application and assessment by the local authority.”
The council now has 10 pubs designated as assets of community value, reflecting the strength of feeling of the local community to protect pubs from redevelopment or change of use.
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