Refused planning application for Gorringe Park pub in Tooting

The planning application for The Gorringe Park pub in Tooting has been refused by Merton Council – and has also been listed as an Asset of Community Value – Project Gorringe has announced.

The local group, which is working to protect and revive The Gorringe Park at 29 London Rd, SW17 9JR, as a pub for the community, said on their Instagram, “Just over an hour ago we’ve seen on the Merton planning portal that the planning application has been refused. We’re sure that you’ll agree, this is a great start to the week.

“We’ll share the full decision notice once we have it, but this is a big moment. It means the proposal in its current form won’t be going ahead.

“Plus we have confirmed that the pub is now listed as an Asset of Communty Value. This is a big deal. There are only a small number on the list, and it reflects just how important the pub is to this community.

“It’s not the end of the road. They could appeal or come back with something new, and the long-term future of the pub is still unclear. But it does open things up and gives us some real options.”

You can view the planning application via the Merton Council website.

Expanding on the ACV status, the group said, “In practical terms, ACV status means the owner can’t sell the property without giving the community (that’s us!) a chance to bid. It also means the pub’s community value is now formally recognised by the council and must be considered in future decisions.

Members of the group will be at Arome Café at 287 Mitcham Road from around 6pm this Friday 27 March for a celebratory drink if anyone would like to join.

More info via the Project Gorringe website.