Wheatsheaf, Tooting, south London, becomes 101st Asset of Community Value pub

It is the first pub in Tooting, and the second in the London Borough of Wandsworth, to achieve the status.

The registration gives locals the right to bid for the Wheatsheaf to prevent change of use or demolition. The pub has stood on the site since 1898.

The pub is currently let to Gregarious on a short-term lease from Enterprise Inns. Gregarious is believed to be negotiating a longer lease.

However, campaigners say that Enterprise is marketing the freehold of the pub. They are concerned that a new freehold owner could develop the site if the lease is not renewed or is only granted for a short period.

Protection​

Campaigners have therefore asked the Wandsworth Council to serve an Article 4 Direction and provide a Local Listing, to prevent a change of use or demolition for redevelopment in due course. The Borough has lost at least 15 pubs in less than three years.

Currently, as the building does not have any heritage protection, a developer can change the use of the property or demolish it without a planning application.

Although Enterprise has rebutted such claims and told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser that it has no plans to sell the pub.

Dan Watkins, chair of the supporters, said: “The local community has rallied round to ensure that the Wheatsheaf can remain at the heart of Tooting. We are grateful to Wandsworth Council for expediting the process by which the pub could be listed in this way, taking just three weeks instead of a possible eight to reach a decision. The premises are currently owned by Enterprise Inns who are believed to be marketing the freehold to new owners.”