Barnet (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Thousands of High Barnet residents have signed a petition calling on Barnet Council to protect The Black Horse Pub, one of the borough’s oldest landmarks.
Located at the intersection of Wood Street and Union Street, the Black Horse Pub was reportedly established in 1720 but closed its doors in September.
After the previous tenant left, owner Star Pubs revealed that it is currently looking for a new operator.
Residents and council members have expressed solicitude that the pub could be vended for redevelopment if it doesn’t have” asset of community value”( ACV) designation, which grants the community the capability to bid on the land if it’s put up for trade.
There are presently 2,320 signatures on the solicitation, and Emma Whysall, a councillor for the High Barnet area, has contributed.
Having preliminarily supported the shot for Tudor Hall, firstly a schoolhouse and granted a duty by Queen Elizabeth I in 1573, to admit ACV status, Cllr Whysall said:
“ACV status can help save pubs and other spaces the community cares about. It gave Barnet Museum time to investigate purchasing Tudor Hall and do their due diligence.
The government is currently legislating for a longer period for community groups to raise the funds to buy and assess the feasibility of purchasing, levelling the playing field with commercial businesses. If the Black Horse does become an ACV, that could be an option for us if the legislation is passed in time.
I urge as many residents as possible to sign the petition to show their support for The Black Horse, and to form a group to make the application as soon as possible”
Last year, the council listed the Prince of Wales pub in East Barnet as an ACV, following local concern about potential redevelopment.
Olly Gough, the local resident who launched the Black Horse petition, said:
“The next step is getting the application in. We need 21 local people to back it and as many stories as possible from those who’ve used The Black Horse over the years. That’s the evidence that makes the difference.”
In response to enquiries, the council said it could not yet give a position. A council spokesperson said:
“The council has not received an application for an asset of community value at this location. Once an application has been submitted, the formal process can begin.”
Star Pubs, part of Heineken UK, recently told The Barnet Society they were keen to reopen the pub and said:
“We are in the process of recruiting a new operator and we are getting a high level of interest.”
What evidence or testimonials strengthen an ACV nomination for this pub?
To strengthen an Asset of Community Value( ACV) nomination for a pub like The Black House in Barnet, detailed and robust substantiation demonstrating the pub’s social and community significance is essential. General statements about the pub being popular or a community mecca aren’t sufficient; particularity and supporting attestation are pivotal.
Specific data on how the pub supports the community, similar as the number and frequency of community events (e.g., daily quiz nights, charity fundraisers, original music events, sports platoon meetings) including exact dates or at least days of the week/ month when these do constantly.
Statements from residents and regular patrons explaining how the pub contributes to social cohesion, internal health, and community identity. substantiation of how the pub provides employment to locals and supports local suppliers.
