Homerton local pub The Prince Edward awarded community asset listing

A rally outside The Prince Edward. Photograph: Josh Loeb

A Homerton pub much-loved by “ordinary local people” has been registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

The ACV status means that the Prince Edward on Wick Road, famous for its Carribean music nights, can not undergo a change of use or be demolished without planning permission.

The designation also means that community groups can bid for the property if the owner decides to sell, which prohibits the property from being sold “under the radar”.

The purple and gold painted pub which dates back to 1866 was saved from demolition last year, after Sandeep Johal bought it in 2012 and applied to turn the property into a block of luxury flats.

Town Hall planning officers flung out the application following pressure from local residents and pub regulars to keep it open.

This is the fifth ACV listing on the Council’s register, the second pub after The Chesham Arms was given the designation two years ago.

Few places for older folk

The pub was nominated by the Friends of Prince Edward, supported by local residents, the Hackney Irish Social Club, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and pub regulars.

James Watson from CAMRA said all pubs provide an essential service to the community. He said: “This is a pub for local, ordinary people and the alternative would be that people would be sitting home alone. The pub has a sense of identity with people in the West Indian and Caribbean community.”

Josh Clarke who is part of the Friends of Prince Edward campaign said the pub opens up to the wider community of Hackney. He said: “It’s one of few pubs that cater to the older and local people of Hackney. A place where you can go if you don’t want to spend £4.50 on a craft beer.”

“This is a pub for all the people who might not be so comfortable with all the changes going on in the place.”

As for the future of the pub, Josh Clarke remains positive. “The current tenant is doing a great job, and has been for six years.” He said: “As long as people keep coming to the pub, it’s going to remain open.”