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Cambridge & District CAMRA Press Release : Royal Standard

Embargo: Immediate
1st November, 2012

Planning Inspector throws out Pub sell-off

Today, Thursday 1st November, the planning inspectorate has thrown out the proposals to lose another valuable community pub to flats.

The Royal Standard at 292 Mill Road has served the community for over 125 years before being turned into a failed restaurant by Pubmaster Ltd. Speaking in his decision notice, the inspector noted “that a public house use of a site has been lost if it was no longer in use as a drinking establishment would be to take a view that is too narrow and simplistic.”

He also noted how “landlords of tenanted public houses, unlike freehold landlords, are restricted in terms of the beers that can be sold and have less incentive to invest in a building they do not own.”

Cambridge & District CAMRA is delighted about the recognition of the unique role that well run pubs play in our communities. Alistair Cook, Pubs Officer said: “It was revealed today that 18 pubs a week shut in the UK, and I’m very hopeful that here in Cambridge we can buck this trend. The planning inspector has highlighted what a key role pubs have in the community. Developers who look at pubs as easy targets for a quick buck should take note.” Cambridge & District CAMRA will now push for the reintroduction of a pub at the location, and will make representations at any further planning or licence application.

Contacts

Neil McGovern, Press Officer, 07969 791292 Neil.McGovern@cambridge-camra.org.uk

Alistair Cook, Pubs Officer, 01223 334111, ali.cook@cambridge-camra.org.uk

Notes for Editors:

Planning application reference 11/0872/FUL , which was appealed with reference APP/Q0505/A/12/2174210 was dismissed. The appeal and inspector’s decision notice can be found at http://www.pcs.planningportal.gov.uk/pcsportal/ViewCase.asp?caseid=2174210&coid=2166016

CAMRA press release about the number of pubs shutting per week is at http://www.camra.org.uk/article.php?group_id=7834


Cambridge & District CAMRA : News