Pubs are an integral part of our local communities.
I am pleased that the Government has committed to remove the permitted development rights for the change of use or demolition of drinking establishments, including pubs. This means that, in future, a planning application will be required in all cases, and it addresses the long-standing call that there should be local consideration and an opportunity for the community to comment on the future of their local pub.
In doing this, the Government is ensuring that pubs will be able to innovate and intensify their use, for example by opening a pub garden or starting to provide live music, without facing a risk that this will be a change of use that requires a full planning permission.
