Pub planning laws call

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has written to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, urging her to implement a simple change in English planning laws to help save pubs from closure. Camra highlights a loophole that allows developers to reclassify pubs as restaurants when seeking planning permission to convert them into housing or other uses. By defining a pub in planning law, local authorities would have the power to reject such applications, thereby protecting pubs that serve as vital community hubs.

Camra’s letter praises the Mirror’s “Your Pub Needs You” campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the challenges pubs face and the devastating impact of closures on communities. The campaign calls for a fighting fund for pubs, recognition for those that go above and beyond in their communities, and more support for community groups wanting to buy their local pubs. Camra also urges the government to relaunch the Community Ownership Fund, which previously allowed local groups to apply for funding to purchase pubs and other essential community assets.

A recent report by night-time industries expert Sacha Lord and the Adam Smith Institute warns that without government intervention, 9,000 pubs could close this year. The hospitality sector faces significant financial pressures, including a £3.4 billion tax bill and a 30-40% increase in operating costs over the past year. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government acknowledges the vital role pubs play in communities and has committed £36 million to save community projects, including pubs. The ministry will consider Camra’s proposals and respond in due course.