CAMRA demands improved planning options
CAMRA calls on the new government to bolster planning protections for pubs.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is calling on the new government to improve planning options for local councils, as the trade body marks the anniversary of the demolition of the Crooked House pub.
In 2017, planning laws were changed so that pubs in England could not be converted or demolished without planning permission.
In a case that dominated national news headlines, on 5 August 2023, a fire destroyed much of the interior of the Crooked House pub in Himley, and under 48 hours later, the remaining structure of the building was demolished without planning permission.
"In the wake of this story last year, I wrote to the previous housing and planning minister to let them know that the complete destruction of this iconic pub brought the nationwide scandal of the non-enforcement of pub protection legislation to the forefront of people’s minds," says CAMRA’s pub campaigns director Gary Timmins.
"In the year since, we have supported the determined efforts of local campaigners to keep the story of the Crooked House alive. We met with government ministers to lobby for the protection of pubs, and worked with West Midlands Combined Authority to encourage the statutory listing of other local pubs, in the hope that they receive the protection that the Crooked House deserved."
Still a concern
CAMRA claims that reports from its volunteers across the country have shown that many pubs continue to be demolished or converted without apparent planning permission.
These, CAMRA says, include at least 10 in the six months in the run up to the demolition of the Crooked House, and a further 29 in England since, which are currently being investigated by the trade body.
"The events at the Crooked House were a tragedy that captured the emotions of pub lovers across the UK," adds CAMRA chairman Nik Antona. "Yet the scandal of unlawful pub conversions and demolitions continues.
"Over this last year, we have been tireless in our campaigning and our message that more protection is needed for pubs across the UK. It is vital that this new government echoes this sentiment, and we see real change to policy to secure the future of our pub stock and cultural heritage."
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