CAMRA calls for councils to be given more powers to protect pubs

The government has been urged to commit to extra protection for pubs to avoid them being illegally converted or demolished.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said it wants to see councils given extra powers, including the ability to force demolished pubs to be rebuilt brick by brick.

It comes six months after the historic Crooked House pub in Himley was gutted by a fire and subsequently demolished, just two weeks after its sale.

The blaze at the pub, once known as Britain’s “wonkiest” inn due to its lopsided appearance, sparked outrage in the community and led to a police investigation. A sixth person was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered in October.

CAMRA last week met with Levelling Up minister Lee Rowley MP to call for councils to be given more powers to protect pubs.

In England, changing the use of a pub or demolishing one requires planning permission, but figures compiled by CAMRA showed that last year up to a third of demolitions may be happening without the required planning permission.

The group has also called for similar protections for pubs to be introducing in Wales, where none currently exist, and for a tightening of loopholes in Scotland to prevent pubs from being allowed to be demolished without planning permission.

CAMRA chairman Nik Antona said: "Our pubs are at the heart of community life across the UK and must be protected as a vital part of our social fabric.

“Local people deserve to have a chance, through the planning system, to save their local pub from demolition or conversion to another use.

“Where this is done illegally, it is vital that local authorities have the powers and resources to force buildings back into use as pubs – or for them to be rebuilt brick by brick if they have been knocked down.

He added: “Otherwise, we risk seeing more beloved locals across the UK being illegally taken away from the communities they serve.”

CAMRA has produced a range of guides offering advice for anyone looking to save their pub from conversion or demolition.

It is also working with West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Mayor Andy Street to list heritage pubs in the region to offer them better protections.