Can our own area follow suit in protecting our public houses?
The loss of many of our public houses such as those previously raised here is often caused by poor planning controls and a lack of understanding by local councils. Neighbourhoods, villages and communities are losing their public houses at an alarming rate. This has also been brought to the forefront of many minds following the national news coverage of the 'Crooked House' fiasco at Himley in the West Midlands.
The famous Crooked House, a historic pub, was sold and within days it was burnt down and demolished to the ground without it seems any planning permissions or input from the local community. An investigation is now underway and there have been arrests, while all that remains is a pile of bricks.
A threat that could devastate communities
The anger and realisation that our pub heritage is under a threat few had realised has pulled local people together to look at what may be at risk under their very noses.
A West Midlands Combined Authority campaign along with CAMRA's List Your Local campaign to give greater protection to heritage pubs has received over 155 nominations in just three weeks.
The same needs to be instigated in all areas throughout the country.
List Your Local
The List Your Local campaign encourages residents to submit applications for Historic England and Asset of Community Value listing.
As well as reviewing historical sites, the review also explores how local plans can be better used to protect pubs and to ensure those that are illegally shut down or demolished are rebuilt "brick by brick".
Could this be extended?
Yes, and it is hoped so, perhaps in Test Valley and Basingstoke & Deane areas, as well as reaching out nationally.
BUT FIRST – firstly we need to identify the pubs mostly at risk, those heritage pubs, community estate pubs, roadhouses.
Please contact us if you would like to help. Use the Contact Form.
Also previous article here:
CHANGES TO PLANNING REGULATIONS NEEDED
