Chesham Arms pub saved from further development

Now victorious: Chesham Arms campaigners protest outside Town Hall. Photograph: Josh Loeb

Hackney Council has granted the Chesham Arms protection from developers under a law that will prevent a change in the site’s use.

The Article 4 Direction is effective immediately and states that developers must now apply for planning permission if they wish to change the use of the building.

It is believed to be one of only 31 pubs in England to be granted this protection and is the result of work by Save The Chesham, a campaign group which wishes to see the site return to its original use.

The 150 year-old pub, on Mehetabel Road, closed its doors in October 2012 after being bought by developer Mukund Patel.

Mr Patel has permission to run the ground floor as a temporary office space and to rent out the upper floor flat until March 2016.

Following the Article 4 Direction, any further developers wishing to change the use of the site from a free house will have to apply for planning permission.

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “This is great news for the local community and the Save Chesham campaign group.

“With the Article 4 Direction, we are helping to ensure that this valued local landmark remains an asset for future generations of local people.”

Since its closure the pub was named as Hackney’s first Asset of Community Value.

Campaign chairman Jonathan Sockett said: “We are grateful for the continued support of Hackney Council in safeguarding the long-term future of The Chesham Arms.

“Now that the owner has no choice but to keep The Chesham Arms as a pub, we hope that he will put it on the market at a fair price without any further delay.

“We’ve been fighting this campaign for nearly 900 days and our resolve to see the pub relaunched remains as strong as it ever was”.

The council now has a 31-day consultation period where it will decide if the direction should be permanently upheld .

To make a representation before 31 March, contact the council, email: LDF@hackney.gov.uk