Groups back MP's bid to protect pubs
A 10-strong coalition of campaign and community groups are backing an MP's bid for a new law to stop "unscrupulous developers" demolishing pubs.
Representatives from some of the groups - including CAMRA - met in Parliament today to discuss Tory MP Nigel Adam's private members Bill.
The Protection of Local Services (Planning) Bill was originally tabled in June to block a loophole in the planning system - which means community assets can be demolished without planning permission.
At today's meeting, organised by the All-Party Save the Pub group, Adams said the Bill was "quite simple and not that controversial".
"All we are trying to do is block a loophole from unscrupulous developers demolishing buildings," he said.
Ministers - including Bob Neill - are "warm" about the idea and has cross-party support, Adams said. But he admitted the Bill may not get a second reading.
However, it was suggested the plan could be tacked on to the coalition's Decentralisation and Localism Bill.
"We are not bothered how we achieve this, just as long as it's allowed," said Adams.
Mike Benner, CAMRA's chief executive, told the meeting: "So many of our local services are closing because of a gap in planning law and local councils are powerless to stop that."
He added: "Pubs are not just businesses, they represent a meeting place for people and a safe and regulated environment to enjoy alcohol."
Out of the 5,000 pubs lost since 2008, 31 per cent had been demolished, Benner said.
Lib Dem MP Greg Mulholland, who chaired the meeting, said pubs had "very little protection" in the planning process. "It's not only a loophole, but a complete scandal that's existed for far too long," he said.
The other groups backing the Bill are Fair Pint, the GMB trade union, Local Works, the CCPR, Living Streets, the Plunkett Foundation, Community Matters, Supporters Direct and Action with Communities in Rural England.
Meanwhile the next All-Party Save the Pub group meeting will focus on the beer tie. Members of the Independent Pub Confederation are expected to discuss reforms being made by the pubcos, ahead of next June's deadline for reforms.
