Your name
Your address
 

Please send this objection to planningapps@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

 

and copy in local councillors  Jo.VanDenBroek@royalgreenwich.gov.uk & David.Gardner@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

 

and us info@whiteswanmusicandarts.org

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Planning Application Objection – 26/1465/F– The White Swan  ​

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I write to OBJECT to this latest proposal to convert the White Swan into a block of flats changing use from a pub to residential units and the applicants incomplete application.

1. I am opposed to the splitting of the planning unit, which principally houses an previously ACV-registered pub, and the change of use of this locally-listed building, which is a non-designated heritage asset.

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2. Pubs in London are protected under Paragraph 70 of the NPPF and at Sections 3.1B, 3.16, 4.48A, 4.8 and 7.1 of the London Plan. There is a requirement for Councils to plan positively for the provision and sustainability of pubs as well as resisting their loss.

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3. This proposal directly threatens the viability of the pub by the removal of the first floor function rooms and the majority of the garden and the application should be rejected solely on the lack of a viability assessment by the applicant on the impact of the residential development and removal of the beer garden reducing it the size of a family kitchen.

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4. Any reputable pub surveyor or licensing broker will confirm that pubs are more attractive, sustainable, and viable propositions if their ancillary accommodation and support functions remain intact. A pub with kitchen, sizeable cellar, ancillary accommodation for the publican, beer garden, function rooms and side access for deliveries, as part of an integrated whole i.e. SINGLE planning unit is more likely to survive as a pub in London’s constantly changing property landscape.

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5. These cases are always problematic due to concerns over noise, the removal of the freehold from the common ownership and control of the pub operator, the creation of residential units very close to what is inherently a noisy environment by purpose and function and the complexities of parts of the demise being subject to additional restrictions and controls due to the Localism Act.

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6. Policy EA(b) Pubs states the Council supports the retention of pubs that have a community role and will resist the change of use or demolition except where continued use as a pub is no longer economically viable.

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7. In addition, evidence must be submitted to clearly demonstrate that reasonable attempts have been made to actively market the site as a pub for at least two years. This should include evidence of the appointment of a property consultant/estate agent to handle the marketing of the property and records of where and how the property has been marketed.

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8. Applicants should also carry out an assessment of the needs of the local community or community facilities to show that the pub is no longer needed and that alternative provision is available.

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This is not evidenced in this application and indeed White Swan Music and Arts and local residence have clear evidence to the contrary including over £100,000 raised to buy the pub from over 500 residents and 1265  petition objecting to change of use:

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“We, the undersigned, call on the Royal Borough of Greenwich to take immediate action to stop the White Swan in Charlton Village being turned into residential flats and to force the owners to restore the premises to a working pub with function rooms. 

We further request that this petition should be treated as a material consideration in any future planning application with regard to The White Swan. “

Accordingly, I invite the Council to PLEASE refuse consent.

Yours sincerely,