Planning and Pub Protection Policies
National Planning Policy Framework ("NPPF")
The latest NPPF was published in Aug 2026, replacing the previous framework originally published in 2012 and subject to numerous subsequent revisions, the last being in Dec 2024.
The NPPF sets out the Government's planning policies for England and how they should be applied. Where Local Plans are silent (eg. policies on pub protection) then NPPF policies apply.
The Framework contains policy which is helpful to pubs:
Section 16 "Promoting Healthy Communities" in clause HC6 "Retention of Key Community Facilities" states that development proposals should not result in the loss of such facilities (specifically including public houses) unless:
(a) it is demonstrated there is insufficient community support or it is no longer viable or feasible to operate. In the case of non-viability of a public house it must have previously been unsuccessfully marketed for its existing use for at least 12 months; or
(b) the lost facility would be replaced with equivalent or better provision in a location offering comparable or improved accessibility; or
(c) planners are satisfied there is sufficient alternative provision of the type of use concerned in the local area.
Section 8 "Ensuring the Vitality of Town Centres" may also offer some support for pubs.
Section 20 "Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment" may help with protecting historic pub buildings.
Further details: National Planning Policy Framework
The London Plan
The London Plan 2021 is the overall strategic plan for London, and it sets out a fully integrated economic, environmental, transport and social framework for the development of the capital. It forms part of the development plan for Greater London. London boroughs’ local plans need to be in general conformity with the London Plan, and its policies guide decisions on planning applications by councils and the Mayor.
Policy HC7 "Protecting Public Houses" requires boroughs to (1) protect public houses where they have a heritage, economic, social or cultural value; (2) support proposals for new public houses where they would stimulate town centres, the night-time economy and mixed-use developments; (3) refuse applications for the loss of public houses unless there is authoritative marketing evidence demonstrating there is no realistic prospect of the building being used as a pub in the foreseeable future; and (4) resist proposals for the redevelopment of associated accommodation or facilities, or development within the curtilage of a public house, that would compromise the operation or viability of the pub.
Further details: The London Plan
Lambeth Local Plan
The Lambeth Local Plan sets out the vision, strategic objectives and policies for development in Lambeth.
The current plan was adopted in Sept 2021.
Policy ED9 Public Houses states:
(a) The council will support the retention of public houses;
(b) Applications for the change of use, redevelopment and/or demolition of a public house must demonstrate that: (i) the public house use is no longer economically viable; a viability report must be submitted and this must include evidence of active and appropriate marketing over a continuous period of at least 24 months and evidence that all reasonable efforts have been made to preserve the facility; (ii) the proposal would not result in the loss of a service or facility of particular value to the local community; and (iii) the proposed alternative use will not detrimentally affect the vitality of the area and the character of the street scene;
(c) If the public house is considered to have townscape or heritage value the council will seek retention of the building and any external features of interest, including characteristic pub features;
(d) Schemes affecting public houses should not result in a loss of cellarage, staff accommodation or other features which might render the public house use unviable;
(e) Proposals for new public houses within town centres will be supported, subject to other development plan policies;
(f) The policy applies to lawful public houses whether currently in use as a pub or vacant. The CAMRA definition of a pub will be taken into account.
Further details: Lambeth Local Plan 2021
Lewisham Local Plan
The current Lewisham Local Plan was adopted in July 2025 and sets out the Council's planning policies for managing development in the borough until 2040 and will be used to guide, assess and determine planning applications.
Policy EC19 covers public houses and states there will be a presumption in favour of the retention of public houses with robust and authoritative evidence required to support the loss of a pub that has heritage, economic, social or cultural value to the community. The Council will only permit the change of use or redevelopment of a public house where:
(a) Legitimate efforts have been made to preserve the facility as a public house, including through evidence of regular maintenance and upkeep, good management and through business diversification;
(b) The public house is not financially viable and there is no reasonable prospect of the premises remaining in this use, or an alternative community use, in the foreseeable future as evidenced through attempts at different business models and management, and an active marketing exercise of a minimum continuous period of three years;
(c) All feasible options for the re-provision of the public house have been fully investigated, and where these are not considered deliverable sufficient justification is provided.
(d) Also, development proposals affecting a public house, including its operational and ancillary amenity space, will be refused unless there is robust and authoritative evidence to demonstrate that the viability of the pub, and its current and future operation, will not be compromised and development will not detract from the character and appearance of the building, including any features of historic or cultural significance.
Further details: Lewisham Local Plan
Royal Greenwich Local Plan
The Local Plan is the key strategic planning document for the borough and is used to help shape development and determine planning applications. The Plan was adopted in July 2014.
Policy EA(b) Pubs states the Council supports the retention of pubs that have a community role and will resist the change of use or demolition except where continued use as a pub is no longer economically viable.
In addition, evidence must be submitted to clearly demonstrate that reasonable attempts have been made to actively market the site as a pub for at least two years. This should include evidence of the appointment of a property consultant/estate agent to handle the marketing of the property and records of where and how the property has been marketed. Applicants should also carry out an assessment of the needs of the local community or community facilities to show that the pub is no longer needed and that alternative provision is available. Regard will be had to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) public house viability test.
2026 update - the Council is currently conducting the final stages of producing a new Local Plan. This draft plan is now at what is known as the Regulation 19 stage, which means its nearly finalised but requires checking that everything is correct via further public consultation and submission to the Planning Inspectorate for review and approval.
Although not yet adopted, the new Local Plan can be cited as 'emerging policy' in objections or support for planning applications and it's up to planning officers and planning committees to decide how much weight they want to give to the policy in considering an application.
Policy TC8 Paragraphs 6.116 to 6120 covers the importance of pubs in various ways and should be used where appropriate in opposing applications that would result in the loss of a pub.
Further details: Royal Greenwich Local Plan
Southwark Plan
The current Plan was adopted in Feb 2022 and sets out the strategy for regeneration until 2036.
Policy P42 Pubs states that pubs must be protected from development resulting in a change of use or loss of the pub. In exceptional circumstances, development proposals resulting in the loss of a pub will only be permitted where there is no market demand for the pub use. This needs to be demonstrated by a marketing exercise for two years, immediately prior to any planning application, for both its existing condition and as an opportunity for improved pub use at market rates.
Alterations leading to a loss of cellarage, other functional or ancillary space or changes to a pub that make it unviable will not be permitted.
Where a change of use is acceptable, development must retain the design, character and heritage value of the building where it makes a positive contribution to streetscape and local character.
The registration or nomination of a pub as an Asset of Community Value will be treated as a significant material consideration.
Further details: Southwark Plan
Additional Information
CAMRA Public House Viability Test