Calderdale Council to target planning loophole

Liberal Democrat councillors tabled the motion as part of the Save Calderdale Pubs campaign to make it more difficult for pubs to be closed and converted into betting shops, restaurants or supermarkets.

Agreements​

The council also agreed to look into the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Public House Viability Test when considering planning applications involving pubs, ensure greater community awareness of the advantages of listing pubs as assets of community value and link community services, such as libraries and health services, within rural pubs that are the only community space left in the village.

The local authority also vowed to lobby community pubs minister Brandon Lewis to change national legislation to ensure that any change of use or proposal for demolition is subject to planning approval.

It said it would also look into requesting an amendment in the tax system to remove any disincentives to moderate drinking “in the more controlled setting of public houses”.

Loophole​

Councillor James Baker, who proposed the motion, said: “Thankfully the motion won cross-party support. Now we want those planning changes to be put in motion. There’s a loophole in the national legislation, but the council can close it using other powers locally.

“Pubs face numerous pressures, such as high taxes on beer. It costs a packet to buy a round at the bar these days, and that means people drink at home instead.

“If we don’t act, we risk losing our community pubs, the jobs that go with them, and a tradition.”

To support the council campaign visit www.savecalderdalepubs.com.