Plaid AM Calls for Legal Protection for Pubs

Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales West, Dr Dai Lloyd has called on the Welsh Government to give closing pubs a lifeline by registering them as “assets of community value” which would allow community groups to bid to buy an asset, such as a pub.

The Localism Act 2011 requires all councils to maintain a list of “community assets” nominated by community groups. Asset of community value status is a material consideration in a planning application and can be used by the local planning authority and Planning Inspectorate as a factor in refusing planning permission for full or partial change of use or demolition, it also allows the building to be compulsorily purchased by the local authority if there is a threat of long term loss to the community

The scheme has been in place in England since 2011 and the provision could also extend to Wales but the Welsh Government has so far refused to implement it.

Dr Lloyd raised the issue with Finance Minister and Trefnydd, Rebecca Evans AM in the Assembly yesterday (Tuesday 16th July). Dr Lloyd stated;

“Very often of course, the local pub acts as a community centre, a place for people to meet up and have a chat. The role of the local pub can often central in terms of tackling loneliness and isolation, and in terms of creating sustainable, cohesive, communities, in line with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.”

Dr Lloyd raised the issue with the Welsh Government following the closure of The Farmers Arms in Resolven.

“There has been a pub on this site since around 1780, serving the communities of Resolven and Abergarwed. It is a shame to see such an historic hub of the community close.

If the Welsh Government were to roll out the community asset scheme then historic pubs, such as The Farmers Arms in Resolfen could continue to serve their communities for many more years to come. Let our communities have a say in the futures of their pubs!”