Dan Watkins, Chair of the Tooting Wheatsheaf Supporters, was contacted by Anthony Thomas last week with proposed plans that he had obtained from Enterprise Inns, the owner of the Wheatsheaf. He confirmed that Antic has not yet secured a long-term lease or purchase of the pub, meaning that notice could be served by Enterprise at any time.
The plans provided do indicate a reduction in the ground floor space available to the pub, and that the remaining area could be used for any ‘retail’, not just a pub. However, as they are dated as 2012 it is not clear if the plans represent Enterprise’s current intentions.
If Enterprise does choose to action these plans, they would need to seek planning approval. Keen to understand the latest planning status for the pub, Dan Watkins contacted the Council this week and spoke to the Planning officers concerned. Fortunately, they have confirmed that Enterprise has not been in pre-planning discussions with them to discuss this matter, so there is no evidence of a planning application from Enterprise being imminent.
In summary, having looked further into the situation, the Wheatsheaf Supporters can’t be sure that the risk to the pub has increased, but what is known is that the pub remains at high risk until such time as a long-term pub tenant is secured, whether that be Antic or another pub operator. The Local Listing and Asset of Community Value status granted by the Council last year do provide some security to the pub’s future, but the Article 4 Directions are also needed to maximise the chances of a positive outcome.
Residents who support our much-loved community pub are urged to respond to the Council’s consultation at http://wandsworth.gov.uk/info/200130/conservation_areas/527/article_4_d…
prior to the deadline of 3rd April 2014.
To provide a further measure of pub protection, at the Wheatsheaf campaign meeting on 10th March 2014, the Supporters also agreed to form a Community Interest Company, which in the event of the pub being sold to a third party, would allow residents to mount a Community Bid for the pub.
It was also agree to hold an event in support of the Wheatsheaf at 7.30pmon Monday 31st March in the pub’s function room. It will be open to all and will involve local speakers and updates on the pub’s future.