A 200-year-old pub that was due to be demolished has been designated an asset of community value (ACV), giving residents the opportunity to have a say in its future.

Wandsworth Council has listed The Stag pub in Westbridge Road as an ACV, “reflecting its important contribution to the social history” in that part of the borough.

Locals in the area were concerned the building would be demolished by the owners before it could be listed.

See related: The Stag Pub in Battersea given lifeline after demolition put on hold by Wandsworth Council

Being listed as an ACV means normal permitted development rights have been suspended and a proposal to demolish it would require planning permission.

It also means if the owners wish to sell, although not obliged to in the final decision, they must first give the local community the opportunity to buy it.

The listing gives residents six months to raise sufficient funds.

Wandsworth Council’s director of housing and regeneration Brian Reilly said: “This pub has played a significant role in the social history of Battersea.

“Because of this the council believes the local community should have a say in the next chapter of its history.”

Before the council’s decision, a petition to save the pub from demolition received more than 500 signatures.