Pubs in Kensington and Chelsea closer to being saved from closure
The policy looks to resist change of use to any building that “contributes to the character of the surrounding area” and “resist the loss of public houses and drinking establishments throughout the borough”.
The council explained that since 1980 there has been a 35% decline in the number of pubs in Kensington and Chelsea from 168 to 110 today and “this trend appears set to continue”.
The consultation runs from 4 September until 15 October. To respond to the draft policy visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/planning.
The council will then submit its proposed planning policy to the Secretary of State who has the final say on whether the policy can come into force. If given the green light, the council hopes to introduce these new powers towards the middle of 2013.
Councillor Tim Ahern, cabinet member for planning policy, said: “We have put together this document because we believe that it’s important to look at ways we can protect those places which perform a vital community function. We’ve lost a lot of pubs over the years and want to do what we can to make sure that the tradition of a pint and a chat in the local pub doesn’t vanish because of our high residential land values.”
In its response to a previous consultation, the British Beer and Pub Association said it is pleased that the council recognises the importance of pubs. However, it said: “The council’s intention to resist change of use away from A4 will be both ineffective in preventing pub closures and counterproductive in placing additional cost and burden on business.
“We would suggest that the council looks to promote the powers in the Localism Act when they come in and seeks to look holistically at what additional steps it can take to support pub businesses and help them to remain viable.”
