Cheers! Nine pubs gain special status

Nine local pubs have been designated ‘assets of community value’ by Nottingham City Council – giving them greater protection if owners wanted to change their use or demolish them.

The Pheasant Inn on Prospect Street, Radford, The March Hare on Carlton Road, Sneinton, The Old Angel on Stoney Street, Hockley, The Horseshoe Inn on Station Road, Bulwell, the Horse and Groom on Radford Road, Hyson Green, the Trent Navigation Inn on Meadow Lane, Lady Bay, The Plough on St Peter’s Street, Radford, The Rose and Crown and the Three Wheatsheaves, both on Derby Road, Lenton, are all the latest to be given the special status after being nominated by the local branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale – with 18 others already approved (see below for details) and more in the pipeline.

The Localism Act 2011 introduced the new arrangements which allow voluntary and community organisations to nominate premises to be added to the register of assets of community value, with local councils deciding which are included based on a range of criteria. The status means the owner cannot sell the site for six weeks, which allows a community group to express interest in buying it. They would then be allowed six months to raise money to buy it.

A change in planning law also means that pubs that have been designated as assets of community value can no longer automatically be converted into shops – planning permission is now needed.

Portfolio holder for planning and housing, councillor Jane Urquhart, said: “Designating pubs as assets of community value recognises the important role they can play as community hubs and puts in a level of protection against them being lost to redevelopment or demolition.

“Not all pubs necessarily meet the criteria outlined by the Government to merit this special status, but I’m pleased we have been able to grant it in nine of these ten cases. I expect regulars at the successful pubs might raise a glass or two to celebrate that their ongoing contribution to local community life is now recognised and more secure.”