The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is calling on everyone concerned about the rate at which pubs are closing to back a move to change planning law by contacting members of the House of Lords using the e-activist website.
The owners of the Green Dragon were able to turn it into a shop without planning permission or any kind of notice, leading to the loss of a notable local community amenityUnder current planning law in England, permitted development rights on pubs mean that they can be converted into a number of different uses or demolished altogether without owners needing to secure planning permission. This contributes to the 21 pubs closing every week across the country and fails to give a voice to the communities who wish to support or object against an application to change the pub.
CAMRA has been calling on the government to have these permitted development rights removed and to place pubs in a class of their own. This simple act means that any plan to convert or change the use of a pub will need to go through the regular planning application process carried out by the council.
The Neighbourhood Planning Bill will be going through its committee stage in the House of Lords from 31 January to 8 February. An amendment has been tabled which would:
- Stop developers from converting or demolishing a pub without securing planning permission; a practice which contributes to the 21 pubs closing every week.
- Introduce a process where communities can voice their support or objection to a pub being converted which can influence the planning decision.
- Place pubs into ‘sui generis’ category - taking them out of their current A4 Use Class and placing them into a class of their own.
CAMRA is asking its members and everyone else concerned about the loss of pubs to use a form on e-activist to contact members of the House of Lords.