Since the last issue of Beer Matters, there have been a number of local developments:
Before Christmas, a letter was sent to Sheffield City Council (SCC) from Paul Ainsworth, the Chair of the National CAMRA Pub Campaigns Group expressing disquiet regarding their procedures and practices. An immediate response form SCC was the offer of a meeting in order to discuss this, and related, issues. A date was agreed, then, at short notice, cancelled by SCC. An alternative date has now been agreed. We will meet with Ccl.Jack Scott.
the Cherry Tree – SCC refused the ACV application. We understand that the Carterknowle and Millhouses Community Group will resubmit. SCC planning committee have not yet met in order to discuss a planning application, from the Co-op, to demolish the building and replace it by a shop.
before Christmas, Sheffield CAMRA submitted an ACV application for The University Arms. We have since received a nine-page letter from Pinsent Mason (an international law company employed by the pub owners, the University of Sheffield). We submitted a detailed response rebutting the assertions made in this letter. A decision from SCC was due by 17th.February.
Carbrook Hall – we understand that (subject to contract), Punch Taverns have sold this pub to a locally based Leisure Company. Sheaf Valley Heritage Group have submitted a detailed ACV application. The heritage aspects of Carbrook Hall were described, in detail in the November 2016 edition of Beer Matters. They are also available online on the CAMRA Pub Heritage website: heritagepubs.org.uk
Dave Pickersgill, Pub Heritage Officer
Dave Pickersgill, Pub Heritage Officer
One thought on “Asset of Community Value (ACV) update”
Our repeated comments that Sheffield City Council are gold-plating the ACV process now has backing from the House of Lords. On 28th.February, there was a Lords debate on extending full planning protection to all pubs in England. The vote was won 278-188. The size of the majority is significant and will encourage the Government to consider their position. The next step is for the Commons to vote on the amendment (end of March?). The size of the win gives CAMRA a real opportunity to secure the change that we have campaigned for over many years.
During the debate, Lord Scriven commented:
‘In Committee, the Minister generously asked for examples of where the asset of community value scheme was not working well in particular authorities. He will be aware that I contacted CAMRA in Sheffield to ask whether there were any incidents of such difficulties with the scheme in regard to pubs. I was quite surprised at the amount of information CAMRA gave me—which I am sure the Minister has seen. It became quite clear from reading about what was going on that this is not isolated to Sheffield, which merely exemplifies what is happening in many communities across the country. This is a burden on communities. It is a David and Goliath fight where the community must fight sometimes a large local authority to prove that an asset is of community value.’
Dave Pickersgill, Pub Heritage Officer
Our repeated comments that Sheffield City Council are gold-plating the ACV process now has backing from the House of Lords. On 28th.February, there was a Lords debate on extending full planning protection to all pubs in England. The vote was won 278-188. The size of the majority is significant and will encourage the Government to consider their position. The next step is for the Commons to vote on the amendment (end of March?). The size of the win gives CAMRA a real opportunity to secure the change that we have campaigned for over many years.
During the debate, Lord Scriven commented:
‘In Committee, the Minister generously asked for examples of where the asset of community value scheme was not working well in particular authorities. He will be aware that I contacted CAMRA in Sheffield to ask whether there were any incidents of such difficulties with the scheme in regard to pubs. I was quite surprised at the amount of information CAMRA gave me—which I am sure the Minister has seen. It became quite clear from reading about what was going on that this is not isolated to Sheffield, which merely exemplifies what is happening in many communities across the country. This is a burden on communities. It is a David and Goliath fight where the community must fight sometimes a large local authority to prove that an asset is of community value.’