Campaigners' delight as council gives protection to Sheffield pub

Sheffield Council has backed a bid to protect a city pub at the second time of asking.
Sheffield Council has listed The University Arms as an asset of community value at the second time of asking. Coun Peter Rippon and Coun Jack Scott are pictured with team manager Billy Taylor.Sheffield Council has listed The University Arms as an asset of community value at the second time of asking. Coun Peter Rippon and Coun Jack Scott are pictured with team manager Billy Taylor.
Sheffield Council has listed The University Arms as an asset of community value at the second time of asking. Coun Peter Rippon and Coun Jack Scott are pictured with team manager Billy Taylor.

Campaigners tried to get The University Arms listed as an asset of community value, or ACV, last year.

But the council rejected their application in September, saying there was a lack of evidence that the pub's use furthered the 'social wellbeing and interests of the local community' enough to qualify for the protected status.

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A second, more detailed application was submitted, and the council has this week sided with campaigners, making The University Arms the ninth pub in Sheffield to be granted ACV status.

The pub cannot now be knocked down or converted without planning permission, and if it goes up for sale, the community has six months to put in an offer.

The University of Sheffield's masterplan has previously identified the pub, which it owns and runs, for potential demolition.

Cabinet member for community services Jack Scott said: “I’m very pleased to announce that The University Arms has gained this community protection, and when better to do this than during Sheffield Beer Week, which is doing so much to put our city on the map.

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“Sheffield is a great beer city and events like this highlight how passionate we are about our local pubs and celebrating Sheffield’s beer and real ale community.

“Designating The University Arms as an asset of community value will help protect its future use. We’re here to give advice about how more venues can gain this status and have approved a growing number of applications over the past year.”

Coun Peter Rippon, a regular at the pub, added: “The University Arms is a great pub and I enjoy coming here with friends. I hope we see more community value requests coming forward in the future.”

The news comes during Sheffield Beer Week, which runs from March 13 to 19. The event is now in its third year and will see more than 70 beer-themed events take place in venues across the city. Visit www.sheffieldbeerweek.co.uk for more information.

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Dave Pickersgill, of the Sheffield branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, of Camra, said: 'Sheffield Camra is very pleased to hear that the University Arms has achieved ACV status.

"This is further recognition of its iconic status amongst the university, Sheffield residents and wider afield.

"We look forward to this public house continuing to act as an inclusive and welcoming base for many years to come."

Sheffield's nine protected pubs are:

1. University Arms, city centre

2. The Castle Inn, Bolsterstone

3. The Plough Inn, Sandygate

4. Three Tuns, city centre

5. The Cremorne, London Road

6. The Castle Inn, BRadway

7. Bath Hotel, city centre

8. Sheffield Tap, city centre

9. The White Lion, Heeley