New Rules To Protect Pubs From Demolition Or Their Conversion To Shops And Other Retail Uses Recently Come Into Effect

For those of you amenable to a drink or two at your local pub from time to time, this will come as good news!

As from 23 May 2017, permitted development rights to demolish pubs have ceased and there are no longer rights to demolish drinking establishments with expanded food provision, either.

Recent Amendments to Planning Legislation

The amendments to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development Order), which came into effect on 23 May 2017 removed permitted development rights to change the use of a pub or other drinking establishment (A4 use) to other 'A' class uses, such as a shop (A1 use), financial or professional services (A2 use) or restaurant/cafe (A3 use).

A new Class AA has been created entitled "drinking establishments with expanded food provision" which will permit a change of use from drinking establishment (A4 use) to a mix of drinking establishment and restaurants and cafes (A3 use).

Permitted development rights will also allow a change from Class AA to Class A4 under the Order.

What is the purpose of the changes?

According to figures released by London mayor Sadiq Khan, the number of London pubs has fallen by 1,220 pubs since 2001 in London alone - an average of 81 closures a year. It has been stated that in some Boroughs this has dealt a hammer blow to the night time economy and local community.

The drop in the number of pubs in the capital was blamed on issues including rises in business rates, conflicts with residents and developers...