The Chesham Arms Public Inquiry

The 150-year-old Chesham Arms Pub, listed as an Asset of Community Value, has been saved after the Planning Inspectorate upheld a Hackney Council Enforcement notice which requires a developer to cease the use of the upper floor of this historic landmark as a self contained flat.

Listed as a Local Heritage Building, the Chesham Arms is treasured by the local community and is the first Asset of Community Value site to be successfully defended by the council following a Developer legal challenge to this listing in 2013.

Following a council warning and enforcement notice, the Developer has continued with his plans to turn the upper floor of the building into a self contained flat without planning permission and challenged the Enforcement Notice leading to the three day public inquiry.

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “The decision by the Planning Inspectorate will add an extra safety-net against the illegal development of this 150-year-old historic building, a success not just for the Council but for the whole community.

“We recognise the historic, cultural and social importance of the Chesham Arms, and will continue to support the local community who have campaigned tirelessly against the illegal development of this site. We have successfully defended the Asset of Community Value listing, a first for a council to do this, and we have had our decision upheld, a clear signal to the developer that his plans must be agreed by the Council.

“In a borough that is seeing its urban landscape change almost daily, it is important that we try to keep historic buildings and landmarks protected for communities and future generations to enjoy and cherish.”

For more information download this Chesham Arms

The inspector's planning appeal decision is here and Judge Warren's ACV appeal judgement (the very first oral hearing of any ACV appeal) is here.