Out-Law News 1 min. read
15 Apr 2014, 2:50 pm
Developer Norreys Barn Limited had applied for planning permission to change the use of the upper floors of the north London Golden Lion pub into flats whilst retaining pub use on part of the ground floor. It had also applied for a certificate of lawfulness for the use of the basement and ground floor as financial and professional services.
However, by using permitted development rights the developer would have been allowed to convert the pub into a shop, restaurant or financial and professional services area without the need for planning permission.
It could then have potentially used the new permitted development rights (introduced on 6 April 2014) to later convert the building into C3 dwellinghouses, also without the need for planning permission.
The Article 4 Direction issued by the Council which relates to the Golden Lion immediately removes the permitted development rights allowing for the change of use into a shop, restaurant of financial and professional services.
"Pubs such as the Golden Lion play an important role in local communities and yet we see more and more being converted into expensive flats against the wishes of local people," said the Council's cabinet member for transport, sustainability and planning Phil Jones in a statement.
"I’m pleased that we’ve been able to step in to provide some protection for the Golden Lion and congratulate the campaigners who have been working to save their local," he said.
The pub is also registered as an Asset of Community Value.
