From: Cllr. P. Kilbane
Sent: 04 August 2026 10:23
Subject: Written submission to Executive Member Decision Session 12th of August 2026

Dear Cllr Lomas

Application for Community Right to Bid under the Localism Act 2011

I am unable to attend your Executive Member Decision Session on the 11th of August 2026 regarding the above, due to annual leave. Therefore, I write in support of the application made by Campaign for Real Ale (York Branch) to list The Victoria Vaults, 47-49 Nunnery Lane, York, YO23 1AB as an Asset of Community Value (ACV)

The Victoria Vaults furthered the social interest and social wellbeing of the local community by being an active pub for 160 years and a live entertainment venue for most of this century. For the past decade it has been one of only two purpose-built pub music venues in the City Of York.

Since its closure I, in my role as Ward Councillor, have been in contact with four separate groups who have expressed an interest in running the Victoria Vaults as a live music and arts venue. It is therefore realistic to think that within five years the building can be brought back into a use that furthers the social interest and wellbeing of the local community.

The pressing need for the building to be listed as an ACV is heightened by the fact that, since its closure, I am informed that the owners have taken steps that will inhibit its use as a pub and live entertainment venue. I understand that this includes

• Removing the cellar and bar fittings
• Listing the upstairs of the building as a short-term holiday let. As far as I am aware there has not been planning permission granted for this change of use category.

Further evidence of the need to grant ACV status to the Victoria Vaults is that since I, in my capacity as Ward Councillor, objected to the loss of this community facility I have been subject to professional and personal accusations by the owners. This includes an unsubstantiated Standards Complaint made against me, and a family member being named in their public statements.

I have no Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in this matter but for transparency I draw your attention to my register of interests as I have Other Registrable Interests (Affects).

Yours sincerely

 Cllr Pete Kilbane, Labour & Cooperative Councillor for Micklegate

Executive Member for Economy and Culture