Since the copy deadline for the December issue of Beer Matters, there have been a number of local developments:
- On 21st.November, the Chair of Sheffield CAMRA and myself met with Ccl.Jack Scott in order to discuss ACV applications to Sheffield City Council (SCC). At that meeting, he promised a further meeting, ‘early in 2017,’ in order to discuss the establishment of a city-wide pub promotion/protection and beer destination/tourism strategy. Since then, despite a number of email reminders, there has been no suggestion of a date/venue for such a meeting from SCC.
- The Plough – on 10th.January, SCC Planning committee unanimously rejected an application by Sainsburys to turn the Plough into a ‘convenience store’ – the next step is up to Enterprise Inns. Ideally, they will sell the pub (at a sensible price) to a local pub, brewery or community group.
- The Cherry Tree – An ACV application was submitted by a local group on 21st.October. The Co-op have since put in a planning application to demolish the building and replace it by a shop. A forthcoming Planning Committee (14th.February) will make the planning decision. We understand that the ACV decision will be made before that date (the decision was due on 2nd.December).
- The White Lion achieved ACV status on 21st.November. Congratulations to all concerned.
- Sheffield CAMRA submitted an ACV application for The University Arms on 23rd.December. A decision from SCC is due by 17th.February. An acknowledgement letter from SCC confirms this date.
- Paul Ainsworth, the Chair of the National CAMRA Pub Campaigns Group has written to SCC expressing disquiet regarding their procedures and practices
To summarise, we:
- have little confidence in the way SCC are managing the ACV process. The process is non-uniform and deadlines are not met
- feel that SCC are expecting Sheffield Citizens to jump higher than Parliament requires (regarding ACV applications). It is over-reaching itself by demanding higher tests than those required by Parliament.
- have a serious concern that in applying higher hurdles than those required by the Localism Act 2011, SCC is acting Ultra Vires.
Dave Pickersgill, Pub Heritage Officer