London borough uses Article 4 directions to protect 120 pubs

The London Borough of Wandsworth is to grant Article 4 Directions removing permitted development rights from 120 of its bars and taverns.

The council claimed to be the first local authority in the country to grant such directions on this scale and suggested that the move could be copied “up and down the country to help defend the nation’s vulnerable pub trade”.

Wandsworth said: “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.”

The owners of the 120 pubs affected will have to seek approval from the council before changing the building use or knocking it down. 

In preparation for the Article 4 Directions, the council had already approved new planning guidance which specifically recognises the historic, architectural and community value of the area’s pubs.

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.”

The 120 bars and pubs were chosen due to their historic or architectural value or because they make a positive contribution to their community. Some pubs that are currently closed have also been given protection, with the council saying it “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.