Closure threat eased for pubs as mp pushes for new planning law bill

1st July 2010, 11:05am

A Conservative MP is sending a lifeline to vulnerable community pubs by pushing forward a bill that closes planning law loopholes that leave them open to demolishment without consent.

The new MP for Selby and Ainsty, Nigel Adams, outlined his plan to bring the Protection of Local Services (Planning) Bill forward sooner in Parliament after being selected by ballot to bring forward legislation on a subject of his choice.

The bill will give local councils the ability to close loopholes in planning law, which currently leave local services including pubs open to the threat of being closed down or turned into other businesses such as financial institutions and restaurants without the community having a say.

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, who has been campaigning on this issue since 2009, has today voiced its support of the move. The issue was a central proposal of their Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers Charter, which has the support of over 150 MPs in Parliament.

CAMRA Chief executive Mike Benner said: "This Bill will empower local communities and offer a much-needed lifeline to community pubs and other local services.

"Pubs are in crisis, with 39 closing every single week. A third of these pubs are then demolished without giving local a chance to save them. Both councils and communities are powerless to act as valued and viable pubs are destroyed."

Related Articles:

• 16 Sep 2010 - Locals RUN their locals, CAMRA Good Beer Guide reveals
• 04 Feb 2010 - Pubs are still closing but at a slower rate, says BBPA
• 16 Oct 2009 - Planning permission granted for Travelodge's largest hotel
• 30 Sep 2009 - Industry experts team up to host 'Save the Pub' quiz
• 29 May 2009 - Planning approved for 25-storey hotel in Southampton

Click here to submit a comment!

Have your say!

To comment on this article, simply enter your name and email and send us your views. Please note that your comment will appear publicly below this article once it has been processed. For enquiries please email info@eatoutmagazine.co.uk.