ACV action urged on New River Retail pubs

Last week, it emerged New River Retail had sent letters to all tenants affected by proposals to build Co-op stores on the pub sites, offering a sum of money to those that sign a “goodwill agreement” if the company is granted planning permission.

The property company refused to disclose the number of pubs affected out of the 202 sites it purchased, but last year the Co-operative Group agreed a deal with New River to build 63 stores on the ex-Marston’s sites. New River said the majority would be new-build projects constructed on surplus land adjacent to the existing pubs.

According to local press reports, the letter states: “You will work with us, co-operate with us and give us all the help we reasonably require to obtain detailed planning permission for the construction/creation of a convenience store in a form acceptable to us.”

It adds: “You will not do anything which may prejudice or obstruct the submission or progress or any planning application we submit or any planning appeal we make. You will not tell anyone about this letter.”

Pub campaigners on Twitter called for locals to protect the “cherished” community pubs by listing them as ACVs. A listing stops the clock on any potential development for six months if the pub is put up for sale, allowing the community the right to bid to purchase the property.

A spokesman for New River said: “There were goodwill agreements offered freely and independently to the limited number of licensees affected in the overall portfolio purchased. There was no pressure on anyone to sign the agreements. It’s standard business procedure.”