Owners ordered to restore Southwark pub

A London pub has been saved from being turned into flats, following enforcement action by Southwark Council. 

In January 2022, works had begun to convert the ground floor of Rotherhithe pub The China Hall into two flats before planning permission was obtained.

Enforcement officers from the council visited the site and discovered that the bar had been removed, the beer lines cut, fixtures, fittings and carpets stripped out, leaving the ground floor little more than an empty shell.

The council issued a planning enforcement notice, which was appealed by the owners.

A win for the on-trade

In July, a public inquiry to determine the fate of The China Hall pub found in favour of Southwark Council, meaning the owners must return it to being a public house.

"This is a huge win for our planning enforcement team and local residents who worked together to save The China Hall as a functioning pub," says councilor Helen Dennis, cabinet member for New Homes and Sustainable Development. "Pubs are specifically protected by planning policy and for good reason. I’m thrilled that such an important piece of Rotherhithe’s history and community has been protected. It serves as a warning that it is never acceptable for works for go ahead before a planning application has been approved."

Andy Large, chair of south east London CAMRA, says he is delighted with the result.

"I am extremely grateful to the team at Southwark Council for their dedication and diligence in the defence of The China Hall over a prolonged period of time," he adds. "I hope it serves as an inspiration to other local planning authorities to defend against unauthorised development that results in the loss of valued community facilities. Thank you very much."

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