The key point is that planning decisions regarding a pub, usually for change-of-use to housing, tend to hinge upon the prospects for the pub. If it can be shown to have a future, then planners are more likely to protect it as a local amenity. Conversely, if it isn't viable, then there's no reason to stand in the way of the change-of-use permission upon those grounds. (There may be other grounds, such as historic exterior/interior.)
The test involves these general headings:
Copies can be obtained from CAMRA HQ via the CAMRA Action Line.