Policy information sourced from Lewisham Development Management Local Plan

DM Policy 20 Public houses

The Council will only permit the change of use or redevelopment of a public house (A4) after an assessment of the following:

  • a viability report that demonstrates to the Council’s satisfaction that the public house is no longer economically viable, including the length of time the public house has been vacant, evidenced by the applicant of active and appropriate marketing for a constant period of at least 36 months at the existing use value
  • the role the public house plays in the provision of space for community groups to meet and whether the loss of such space would contribute to a shortfall in local provision, including evidence that the premises have been offered to use or to hire at a reasonable charge to community or voluntary organisations over a 12 month period and there is no longer a demand for such use
  • the design, character and heritage value of the public house and the significance of the contribution that it makes to the streetscape and local distinctiveness, and where appropriate historic environment, and the impact the proposal will have on its significance
  • the ability and appropriateness of the building and site to accommodate an alternative use or uses without the need for demolition or alterations that may detract from the character and appearance of the building.

Where the evidence demonstrates to the Council’s satisfaction that a public house is not economically viable, but where the building is assessed as making a significant contribution to the local townscape and streetscape, or is assessed as making a positive contribution to the historic environment, the Council will require the building to be retained, and for the ground floor to remain in use for a range of non-residential uses, including D1, as appropriate.

The proposed change of use of a public house for residential use will only be acceptable where:

  • the proposal has been assessed against parts 1c and 1d of this policy and the impact of the proposal on these features and
  • where the Council is satisfied that residential use is acceptable, the accommodation to be provided is to be of the highest quality and meet the requirements outlined in DM Policy 32 (Housing design, layout and space standards).

For more information please see the Local Plan