SUPERMARKETS hoping to convert pubs into shops could soon have to apply for planning permission to do so.

Government ministers will meet on Monday to consider amending a planning law to prevent pubs from being converted without locals being given a say on their favourite watering holes.

The move would see The Press' Be Vocal For Your Local campaign take a huge step toward success, after it set out to ensure local people were given a say on any plans to close and convert local pubs.

At the moment, pubs can be turned into banks, mini supermarkets, or estate agents without applying for permission first.

The lack of legislation has placed the future of several York pubs under threat or seen them close, including The Corner House, in Burton Stone Lane and The Punch Bowl, in Lowther Street.

Campaigners at The Punch Bowl were last month successful in securing an Article 4 Direction (A4D) to ensure Tesco would have to apply for planning permission before moving in.

If the amendment is successful, it would remove the need for an A4D and developers would be obliged to submit an application.

Nick Love, of York's Campaign for Real Ale society, said: "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.

"On Monday there is the chance to change this for ever.

"There is a debate in Parliament to make an amendment to current 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 MP’s in their constituencies to support this motion on Monday."

Paul Crossman – licensee of York pubs The Swan, The Slip Inn, The Volunteer Arms and The Woolpack, added: "Pubs are vital to our communities and our cultural heritage, especially as they are one of the few remaining institutions of genuine social cohesion to be found on our modern streets.

"They should not be used as tokens to be traded by disinterested big business in order to maximise short term financial gain, and yet that is exactly what is currently happening."