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Consultation launched on making permanent outdoor measures introduced to support high streets and hospitality businesses

The Government has launched a consultation on making permanent two time-limited permitted development rights introduced during the pandemic to boost high streets and hospitality businesses.

The two PDRs are:

  1. Class BB of Part 4 permitting the provision of moveable structures in the curtilage of pubs, cafes, restaurants and historic visitor attractions: The consultation is proposing that this be made permanent, subject to a number of factors, in looking to consult on a limitation of 56 days per year, bringing this in line with the right for the temporary use of land above. Views are also sought on introducing a height limit of 4 metres, and a size limit of no more than 50% of the existing buildings on site.
  2. Class BA of Part 12 permitting for markets to be held by or on behalf of local authorities: This enabled markets to be held by or on behalf of local authorities for an unlimited number of days, including the provision of moveable structures related to this use. Previously there was a 14 days allowance per calendar year to hold a market under the temporary use of land permitted development right (Part 12, Class B).

The consultation, which can be viewed here, will run until 14 November 2021.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “From marquees being put up in pub grounds, to street markets operating all year round, permitted development rights allowed people to enjoy al fresco dining and visit town centres and tourist attractions as the nation reopened from the pandemic.

“These planning reforms also gave businesses and councils a lifeline to operate alongside the right to regenerate and new licensing arrangements.”

Secretary of State for Housing Robert Jenrick said: “The simple reforms we made during the pandemic to help hospitality businesses, markets and historic visitor attractions make use of outdoor spaces more easily, made a massive impact. They helped thousands of businesses and attraction to prosper, made out town centres livelier and have been enjoyed by millions of us.

“As part of our vision to transform high streets into thriving places to work, visit and live, we intend to make as many of these measures permanent fixtures of British life as possible.”

The consultation will also seek views on new permitted development rights to support the efficient development of Ministry of Defence sites. This includes providing more accommodation, workspace, and training facilities at fewer facilities “to reduce the pressure on local authorities”.

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