Campaigners fighting to protect a popular pub from redevelopment have secured a partial victory.

Wandsworth Councillors voted to consider using an Article 4 Direction to protect The Wheatsheaf, in Upper Tooting Road, Tooting, during a council meeting last night.

It is the first time the council have investigated making such an order, which would mean any application to change the use of the venue has to be considered by elected councillors.

During the meeting it was also decided to look into more options on protecting other important public houses across Wandsworth.

But some campaigners have been left disappointed councillors opted to not make an immediate direction, with a period of consultation to follow.

The council has until November 2015 to confirm the direction, but the order could come into place as early as January next 2014.

A community group set up earlier this year when it was rumoured the pub could become a supermarket, with the lease due to expire this year.

The building was locally listed in September which also gives it some protection when it comes to the planning process.

A letter by Tooting MP Sadiq Khan, co-signed by 1,250 residents, was submitted to the Council requesting an Article 4 Direction.

Council officers said it could be difficult to resist the pub changing use because of national planning policy, while making an Article 4 Direction would prove costly.

But councillors agreed to consider controlling the demolition and change of use of the venue.

During the meeting it was also decided to not locally list the Trafalgar Arms, in Mitcham Lane, Tooting, which was sold last year to developers.

MP Sadiq Khan said: "I’m relieved that we were able to convince the Council to recommend an Article 4 direction be granted.

"However, the council had the chance to save The Wheatsheaf last night, and they bottled it.

"Instead they have delayed the process, which in the meantime leaves our much-loved pub in danger of being converted into a Tesco or a Sainsbury’s, or luxury flats at a moment’s notice."

Councillor Alex Jacob said: "We’re delighted the Council has committed to investigating Article 4 protection for The Wheatsheaf and to look at the issue of protecting pubs across the borough. 

"This is the result of a spirited community campaign and cross-party support for protecting our much valued local pubs. We’ll be raising a glass in The Wheatsheaf to its continuing success."

A committee will decide whether the direction will be made at an executive meeting on November 25.

 

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