Proposed changes to planning and licensing rules aimed at supporting local high streets have been announced that will reduce the complexity of opening and operating hospitality venues.
The reforms will make it easier to convert disused shops into hospitality venues. New dedicated ‘hospitality zones’, will also be introduced where permissions for alfresco dining, street parties and extended opening hours will be fast-tracked. A new National Licensing Policy Framework will streamline and standardise the process for securing planning permission and licences, removing the patchwork of local rules that currently.
Other proposals include protections for long-standing pubs, clubs, and music venues from noise complaints by residents of new developments built alongside them. Under these changes, developers will be responsible for soundproofing buildings if they choose to build near existing venues.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
“This Government has a plan to replace shuttered up shops with vibrant places to socialise turning them into thriving cafés or busy bars, which supports local jobs and gives people a place to get together and catch up over a beer or a coffee.
“Red tape has stood in the way of people’s business ideas for too long. Today we’re slashing those barriers to giving small business owners the freedom to flourish.”
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