Current permitted development rights allow the change of use from drinking establishments, which includes public houses, to shops and supermarkets, without the need for a planning application. Planning reforms made by the previous Conservative-led Government already enable local authorities and local communities to remove these permitted development rights when they deem it appropriate and protect local assets.
I know that there is passionate support to enable local communities to consider planning applications for the change of use of a pub of particular local value. I saw this myself through working on the ‘Save the Richmond Arms’ campaign in Bath. Therefore, I am pleased that the Government has enabled the listing of a pub as an Asset of Community Value to trigger a removal of the national permitted development rights for the change of use or demolition of those pubs premises.
This means that when a pub is listed as an Asset of Community Value, a planning application is now required for the change of use or demolition of a pub. This will then provide an opportunity for local people to comment, and enable the local planning authority to determine the application in accordance with its local plan, any neighbourhood plan, and national policy. The local planning authority may also take the listing into account as a material consideration when determining any planning application.
I welcome the fact that 600 pubs are now Assets of Community Value and I am confident these changes will lead to many more becoming so. I also believe these proposals provide the right balance between protecting pubs, but avoid blanket regulation which would lead to more empty and boarded up buildings.