JUST before Christmas, with the backing of the local community, I had an application for an Article 4 Direction to be placed on The Punch Bowl in Lowther Street granted by City of York Council.

That was one of only eight ever granted in the UK and would have forced Tesco to have to apply for planning permission for a change of use. This has caused Tesco to abandon their intentions for the pub and has preserved it for current and future generations.

Many people in York believe that such protection should be afforded to all pubs – that planning permission should be necessary for a change of use. This is currently not the case.

On Monday there is the chance to change this for ever. There is a debate in Parliament to make an amendment to planning law to make it mandatory to apply for planning permission for demolition for change of use or demolition of a pub. This gives residents the chance to approve or reject such applications.

Can I urge all residents, licensees and businesses to lobby their local MPs in their constituencies to support this motion on Monday.

Nick Love, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, York Central Constituency.