Call to halt Stroud pub redevelopment despite deli opening

They are asking to see proof it is too costly to be kept as a drinking establishment.

Stroud's branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has pointed to a lack of planning permission for a change of use despite a deli already opening, a situation the district council has described as "unfortunate".

But the landlord of The Swan has stressed the plan to turn the ground floor into two retail units - one of which houses Armadeli as of last month - complies with local planning policy.

Speaking on behalf of the landlord, estate agent Andrew Watton said: "The Planning Application was submitted to Stroud District Council for the beginning of July but the local authority only validated it at the end of September.

"The letting which is in place complies with the Stroud town centre Neighbourhood Development Plan and is in accord with the policies contained in the emerging Stroud district Local Plan, reflecting national, regional and local guidance on sustaining the viability and vitality of town centres."

Though it has confirmed it has received the application, the district council also confirmed it has yet to give permission for the plans.

“It is unfortunate that the development has begun before the application has been determined," an SDC spokesperson said.

“Ultimately we would seek to ensure that any change of use was consistent with Local Plan Policy EI6 and that a community use is secured.”

Tim Mars, Stroud CAMRA's pubs officer, has called on the council to block the plan until proof is given The Swan will not work as a pub or bar.

"We hope that Stroud District Council will refuse any retrospective planning application for conversion to retail use - at least for the remaining undeveloped half of The Swan - until the owners can demonstrate a serious attempt to test the market for the future of the building as licensed premises,”

Changing the use of a pub requires a planning application as of May 2017.

View the plans here: bit.ly/2A4UDZE