Policy information sourced from the Waltham Forest Local Plan

36 Protecting Public Houses

A. Public houses (pubs) will be protected as important local assets in the borough, especially when:

  1. They have a heritage, economic, social or cultural value to the local community, in line with relevant policies in ‘Conserving and Enhancing our Heritage’and ‘Promoting Culture and Creativity’; or
  2. They are of significant importance for particular group in the community, especially as a place for socialising and entertainment; or
  3. They are registered as an Asset of Community Value, and appropriate and proportionate public consultation has been undertaken by the developer/applicant with the local community;

B. The Council will only permit the change of use or redevelopment of a public house (Sui Generis) after consideration of relevant policies and if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. There would be no resulting shortfall of public house provision;
  2. Proposals meet the requirements of Policy 46 ‘Social and Community Infrastructure’; and
  3. There is evidence that the existing use or business operation is not financially viable and the site has been prominently marketed at a realistic freehold or leasehold price for the same use for a continuous period of at least 24 months.

For more information please see the Waltham Forest Local Plan