Planning authorities to be given power to intervene in demolition of pubs

Local authorities will have a new power to intervene before a pub is demolished, the Pubs Minister has said.

This power will give the planning authority time to consider whether it would be justified to require the owner to submit a planning application for the site, ensuring the community are fully consulted.

Other measures in John Healey’s 12-point action plan, designed to give support to under-threat community pubs, include:

• Allowing pubs to branch out into new commercial ventures – such as restaurants, gift shops and books shops – without having to obtain planning permission
• Banning restrictions on sales which prevent premises continuing as pubs. This proposal was first made by three councils – Newcastle-upon-Tyne City Council, Ryedale District Council and Darlington Borough Council – under the Sustainable Communities Act
• Relaxing licensing requirements for live music in small venues. The government has already proposed that events would be exempt if they are provided for an audience of fewer than 100 people
• Contributing to a three-year pilot programme of up to 50 community owned pubs through the Plunkett Foundation, and
• Providing £1m funding for the ‘Pub is the Hub’ support service, which will advise on running the business and diversification.

A total of 2,365 pubs closed in 2009, and pub closures are now running at 39 a week.

The minister said: “Today’s measures are a much needed shot in the arm for publicans in these tough times. They will make it easier to diversify, lower costs and cut red tape when it comes to branching out.

“It is also a boost for local communities, giving them a greater stake in the future of their local pubs often so important in bringing people together.”

The government is also backing the Business, Innovation and Skills select committee’s report into the relaxation of ‘beer ties’, which require tenant landlords to buy beer supplies only from pub companies.