All the forum discussions about PPS4 seem restricted to the well-trod ground of retail development. However, given 'Community Pubs' Minister Bob Neill's visit to the Great British Beer Festival, I think a bit more attention is needed for Policy EC13 of PPS4. I've seen it cited in two decisions by different Council's towards the end of last year. In one by North West Leicestershire District Council, EC14 was cited as potential support to refuse an application to convert a village pub to a house, in the absence of a local policy protecting pubs. As it was, the application was approved for other reasons. In a decision by Cambridge City Council, EC13 was used as a reason for refusal for the loss of a pub to a housing development - again, there was no local policy specifically protecting pubs. Does anyone have experience of defending or fighting an appeal on the use of EC13? Any thoughts about the use of EC13 as either the sole reason for refusing the loss of a pub, or to back up a local policy?
