New Bill could save pubs

A new bill could protect pubs from being demolished without planning permission or changed into cafes and restaurants without the consent of the community.

Tory MP for Selby and Ainsty Nigel Adams was selected by a ballot in Parliament to bring forward a Private Members Bill. Adams decided to use this opportunity to give local services such as pubs greater protection from demolition or change of use.

Ballot Bills have the best chance of becoming law, as they get priority for the limited amount of debating time available.

The Protection of Local Services (Planning) Bill will give local councils in England the power to close loopholes in planning law which allow local services such as pubs, post offices, local shops and community centres to be demolished without the need to seek planning permission. 

It could also be used to protect pubs in particular which can be turned into cafes, restaurants or financial services offices without giving communities a say.

"For too long, community buildings have been able to be demolished despite the wishes of local people," said Adams. "It is crucial that we stand up for them.

Local services and especially pubs are at the very centre of our communities, providing employment, contributing to the local economy and to community well-bring.

"It is time that they were protected. My Bill will allow local councils to opt-in where there is a need within their communities and require that developers seek planning permission before demolishing our pubs and other valued local service.'"

The bill has received the backing of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), which has been campaigning for changes to planning law since early 2009.

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

"Pubs are in crisis, with 39 closing every single week. A third of these pubs are then demolished without giving local communities a chance to save them. 

"Both councils and communities are powerless to act as valued and viable pubs are destroyed."