A London council has taken action to protect historic pubs by removing development rights that allow them to be converted into shops and homes without planning permission. Wandsworth council in south London has told the owners of 120 pubs that they have to seek approval from the town hall before changing the building’s use or knocking it down. In recent years, high property prices have made London pubs increasingly attractive to developers. Wandsworth council said the 120 bars and pubs were chosen “due to their historic or architectural value or because they make a positive contribution to their community”. It has served “article 4 directions” that remove permitted development rights and force owners to get planning consent before any major changes.

Source: The Guardian August 17, 2016 11:15 UTC