PUBS in Poole could be given protection under planning law to help prevent them being lost to other uses.

Since 2005 nine public houses have changed use, including the Sandacre pub at Sandbanks which controversially became a Tesco supermarket in July 2013.

Currently developers don’t need to apply for planning permission to change a pub into a shop, as a change to another retail use is allowed under permitted development rights.

But Borough of Poole is to consider introducing a borough wide Article 4 Direction, a special planning regulation which would remove permitted changes of use for public houses.

The move was recommended by the Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee last Thursday following a motion by Councillors Phil Eades, Charles Meachin, Vikki Slade, and Charmaine Parkinson calling for the council to ensure “that planning permission and community consultation are required before any public house is allowed to be converted to any other commercial premises or be demolished.”

Committee chairman Cllr Brian Clements said: “The committee heard a persuasive argument from East Dorset CAMRA representative on why there is a need to prevent public houses being lost to other uses.

“Members were of the view that they play a valuable role in community life and while recognising that government relaxation of planning rules now permitted change to certain uses without requiring planning permission, it was important for the council to be able to make that decision.

“On this basis the committee overturned the officer recommendation and will propose to council that an Article 4 Direction is made removing permitted changes of use for public houses.”

Councillor Eades, who put forward the motion said: “We are not saying no pub should ever convert – we are saying that decision should be made locally. These facilities are important for our communities and part of the historical fabric of Poole as well. You shouldn’t just be able to convert them without local people having a say. We are delighted that the committee heard us.”

The recommendation will go before the next meeting of full council.