‘New’ plan to protect pubs in Bristol from developers converting them into housing

Labour has announced a ‘new’ plan to protect pubs in Bristol from housing developers unless there are certain exemptions.

But the Pub Protection Plan appears to be similar to existing Bristol City Council rules, raising questions over if anything will change.

The Pub Protection Plan was revealed on social media, as one part of the council’s new Local Plan. This sprawling document covers a massive range of rules on how developers can get planning permission for new buildings across Bristol, and will be consulted on soon.

The policy stops developers from converting pubs into apartments or houses, unless they can either show there are enough other pubs within walking distance, or the pub would not make enough income to stay open. But these rules have sometimes proven ineffective.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, the Bristol Labour group said: “Local pubs will not be allowed to be converted into housing, unless it’s proven they’re economically unviable or there is already a diverse range of pubs within a short walking distance from the pub.”

Councillor Tom Renhard, cabinet member for housing, added: “Bristol Labour appreciates the value of pubs, so we’re taking steps to strengthen protections for pubs through our Pub Protection Plan. With more homes being built across Bristol, we need great amenities too. I have brilliant local pubs in my ward, long may they continue.”

Last year planning permission was granted for two pubs in Bristol to be converted into housing. Plans to redevelop the Fulford House in Hartcliffe and the Windmill in Windmill Hill both faced stern opposition from locals — but developers said the Fulford House would not be economically viable, and there were enough alternative pubs near to the Windmill a short walk away.

At the time, opponents of the plans questioned and criticised the viability assessment report for the Fulford House, which was paid for by the developers. And one council boss even admitted that planning officers don’t independently check the claims made in the report, shortly before permission was granted to redevelop the Fulford House in February last year.

The new draft Local Plan was recently published ahead of a full council meeting on October 31. Councillors will vote on signing off the draft, before going to a full public consultation.

Next year, the plan will go to the government’s planning inspectors to review all the evidence, before the final document is due to be signed off by the council in spring 2025.

The new Local Plan policy on pubs states: “Bristol’s public houses serve local communities and make an important contribution to the diversity and vitality of the city and the wider region. As well as key components of the local economy, they are vital spaces for leisure socialisation, community activities and cultural exchange.

“This policy recognises the unique contribution to a community’s social amenity and wellbeing that are provided by the city’s public houses. It seeks their retention where they contribute to the diversity and vitality of their communities.”

Viability assessment reports are expected to include an analysis of trade potential; three trading years of audited accounts; and evidence the pub has been “operated positively and not run with a view to closure”. The policy says the council will submit the viability assessment for independent validation, with costs paid for by the applicant.

The Rhubarb Tavern in Barton Hill was also under threat of being redeveloped for housing, after shutting in 2020. But now one couple is raising money to reopen the pub, and so far they have raised over £23,700 with a crowdfunding campaign.