The campaign group raised concerns over properties advertised through Fleurets as being for “non-pub use only”, arguing the restrictions could conflict with recently strengthened planning protections.
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In its October Pub Heritage Group update, CAMRA said 26 Samuel Smith’s pubs had reportedly been put up for sale or sold during the preceding month.
Growing number of sales
The sales include the Wellington Inn in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, which is being marketed for £325,000 with a restriction specifying non-pub use.
The former Cross Keys Inn in Stillingfleet, near York, is also on the market for £475,000, with land advertised as potentially suitable for six to eight houses, subject to planning permission.
Other properties listed through Fleurets include the Commercial Inn in Oldham and the Rifleman’s Arms in Rochdale, both advertised for £225,000 with non-pub use restrictions.
The sales follow the death of Samuel Smith’s longstanding owner Humphrey Smith in June, after decades leading the Tadcaster-based business.
CAMRA said several of the pubs earmarked for sale had been closed for considerable periods, although the brewery has also recently reopened some previously closed sites.
A spokesperson from Fleurets, on behalf of Samuel Smith’s, said: “Samuel Smiths are currently reopening a number of community pubs around the north of England. The good which these pubs do for their local communities is often underestimated. There is a much smaller number of pubs which are no longer viable and are being sold.”
Planning concerns
CAMRA argued the sales approach could conflict with the revised National Planning Policy Framework, which requires evidence of at least 12 months of unsuccessful marketing as a pub where commercial viability is used to justify a change of use.
National planning adviser Paul Ainsworth said: “Firstly, it is entirely shameful that Sam Smith’s, who claim to be a proud brewery with community focussed pubs, are resorting to these tactics.
“Secondly, we don’t see how this will possibly work with the new planning rules. Other pub operators need a fair shot at taking on these pubs first, or local people who want to explore community pub ownership.”
Ainsworth wrote to Samuel Smith’s on 23 September raising concerns about the listings.
CAMRA said it had received no response and had subsequently raised the matter with Fleurets and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The campaign group warned that buyers seeking to convert the properties could face costly planning difficulties, although applications would remain subject to assessment by the relevant local authority.
