Historic Leeds pub on asset register

The Friends of the Abbey Inn in Pollard Lane, Newlay, have won the opportunity to get the pub listed as an asset of community value.

This ultimately means that, in the event of it ever being put up for sale or being at risk of demolition, it cannot be sold until the community has first had a chance to build a case to take it over.

The Abbey Inn, which sits between Bramley and Kirkstall, has a unique history, beginning life as a farmhouse in the 18th century.

By 1826, it was an inn and soon owned by the dye plant next door, so they could regulate the drinking habits of the workforce. For many years it also doubled as a mortuary and even as a venue for inquests.

The community listing bid follows changes to the law which require a full planning application to be submitted for a change of use or demolition if a pub is listed as an Asset of Community Value.

It also follows a national campaign by CAMRA which has led to 4,611 pubs being listed nationally, more than a third of all listings nationally.

The pub building is currently owned by Enterprise Inns plc, who have not submitted an objection to the listing.

The law says that buildings or land with a current use considered to “further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community” can be safeguarded in this way.

This is different to buildings or other land that do not have a current use.

A report recently approved by senior council officers says: “The property has a current use that furthers the social interests of the local community and it is realistic to think that such a use can continue.

“Therefore the...criteria is considered to have been met and the nominated land should be added to the List of Assets of Community Value.”