Parliamentary motion calls for Government to amend pub development laws

14-Jul-2014 - Last updated on 15-Jul-2014 at 15:22 GMT

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Charlotte Leslie MP said permitted development rights are leaving pubs vulnerable to demolition or change of use

Charlotte Leslie MP, vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, has tabled a motion in the House of Commons calling for the Government to amend development laws so any demolition or change of use involving the loss of a pub would require planning permission.

The Conservative MP for Bristol said permitted development rights are leaving pubs vulnerable to demolition or conversion to a range of retail uses, citing figures from the Campaign for Real Ale that show two pubs a week are converted to supermarkets.

The Early Day Motion adds that planning loopholes are contributing to the “loss of valued community amenities” and states that there is a concern that local people are being “denied a say in the future of their neighbourhoods”.

The EDM has so far received 19 signatures.

Planning policy

Separately, Save the Pub Group chairman and MP Greg Mulholland is in the process of compiling a manifesto for planning reform, following his introduction of the National Planning Policy (Community Involvement) Bill in the House of Commons in April.

The Bill calls for a revision of use class orders, including the introduction of a separate category for community pubs, and for a “genuine” community right to buy for assets of community value.

Kate Nicholls, strategic affairs director at the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, said: “We are pleased that the Government has already recognised the important role pubs play in community life through the National Planning Policy and will be consulting on this very issue over the summer.

“Local authorities are already required to plan positively for modern licensed hospitality and ensure that these much needed community facilities, services and economic generators are supported.

“Despite this, there are still instances where change of use legislation either fails to protect pubs or restricts innovation, modernisation and investment. We need a planning regime which stimulates rather than distorts the market and frees up pubs to be the economic powerhouses and community investors they can be.”