CAMRA campaigns to stop pubs being converted into supermarkets
PUBS are being converted into supermarkets at the rate of two a week, research by the Campaign for Real Ale has found.
CAMRA, which conducted the study during 2012 and 2013, said the situation was unacceptable and it is accusing the supermarkets of deliberately targeting pubs for redevelopment, often despite the outcry from local residents who want the building to remain in business as a public house.
The figures, based on national research carried out by CAMRA’s members, identified 208 pubs which have been converted to supermarkets since January 2012. The research also shows that Tesco is by far the most prolific pub converters, with 110 in the last two years – over three times more conversions than any other supermarket chain. Sainsbury’s is a distant second with 29 pub conversions and The Co-operative, which supposedly supports community pub ownership, comes in third with 23.
Mike Benner, CAMRA chief executive, said: “The big supermarket chains appear to be targeting pubs for conversion, despite the fact that these pubs are often profitable and popular. This behaviour shows a remarkable disregard for the wellbeing of communities that face losing their valued pubs – leaving local people powerless to step in.”
CAMRA said a key reason pubs were being targeted by supermarket chains was a loophole in planning law allowing a pub to be converted to other uses, including a supermarket store, without planning permission.
The pressure group is now urging the Government to step in and close this loophole before too many more pubs are lost to their communities.
“Allowing pubs to be converted to supermarkets without planning permission is ludicrous, and something which the Government need to address as a matter of urgency,” added Benner.
Until the planning loopholes are closed CAMRA said it was encouraging communities to show their support for their local by nominating them as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ (ACV), a move which in some instances can help prevent the closure of a valued community resource.
“ACV status means that should the pub be put up for sale the surrounding community can delay the sale, giving them breathing space to look at how the pub can be saved. Over 300 pubs have now been listed as Assets of Community Value, but much more needs to be done to protect pubs,” said Benner.
“At the very least the Government must act to ensure pubs that are listed as assets of community value can’t be turned into a supermarkets overnight. It is outrageous that even valued pubs listed as ACVs are given virtually no protection from the clutches of the ever-expanding supermarket chains.”
