The BBPA supports the use of ACVs, where the pub in question is genuinely of community and societal value, is likely to be subject to change of use in the near future, and is the last pub in an area. However, we do have concerns that planning requirements for pubs nominated/listed as ACVs may reduce their value to potential buyers, and that the evidence base for listings pubs needs to be strengthened considerably.
21 February 2018
29 November 2017
BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds: “I welcome the fact that the draft plan recognises the great contribution that pubs make to the economy and social life of London. “In particular, the agent-of-change proposal is one that we have long argued for, and would ensure that pubs are not threatened by new housing developments through complaints about noise from pubs which have been trading for hundreds of years. “We will certainly be responding to the consultation as there are also some aspects that will need careful consideration, including a proposal around the need to market a pub for a specific period of time before any change of use and how this might work in practice.”
27 March 2017
Commenting on the Neighbourhood Planning Bill’s progress through Parliament today, Brigid Simmonds Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “I am very pleased that the Government has listened to our concerns and brought forward a new proposal for pubs today, in the House of Commons. “We had been very concerned that food-led pubs would have been disadvantaged by the House of Lords’ original amendment. But today’s vote, on an alternative proposal from the Government, means that pubs will remain in the A4 use-class, rather than being placed in a class of their own. This will ensure they have a specific right to extend the restaurant use of the pub, without requiring planning permission. “I hope local authorities will also note that the new legislation should also remove any incentive for them to pursue Article 4 directions and for ACV ‘mass listings’. This would also be a very positive step for our members.”