Two more local pubs have been designated ‘assets of community value’ by Nottingham City Council – giving them greater protection if owners wanted to change their use or demolish them.
The Hemlock Stone on Bramcote Lane, Wollaton and The Grosvenor on Mansfield Road, Carrington are the two latest pubs to be given the special status after being nominated by the local branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale – with 27 others already approved and more in the pipeline.
The Localism Act 2011 introduced the new arrangements which allow voluntary and community organisations to nominate premises to be added to the register of assets of community value, with local councils deciding which are included based on a range of criteria. The status means the owner cannot sell the site for six weeks, which allows a community group to express interest in buying it. They would then be allowed six months to raise money to buy it.
A change in planning law also means that pubs that have been designated as assets of community value can no longer automatically be converted into shops – planning permission is now needed.
In approving the submissions, the council considered various factors including:
The Hemlock Stone hosts weekly quiz nights and has been used by the local community for events such as coffee groups and the Treetops Hospice. The pub has a meeting room and beer garden.
The Grosvenor also hosts weekly quiz nights and has a function room which allows local interest groups to meet and has been used by the local community for events. The pub has its own pool table, darts board and television sporting events, and has a beer garden.
Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing, Councillor Jane Urquhart, said: “Designating pubs as assets of community value recognises the important role they can play as community hubs and puts in a level of protection against them being lost to redevelopment or demolition.
“Not all pubs necessarily meet the criteria outlined by the Government to merit this special status, but I’m pleased we have been able to grant it in these two cases. I expect regulars at the successful pubs might raise a glass or two to celebrate that their on-going contribution to local community life is now recognised and more secure.”