Marquees ‘permitted for duration of summer’ without planning permission required

22-Mar-2021 - Last updated on 22-Mar-2021 at 10:47 GMT

Longer time: the Government has stated pubs will be able to install marquees for the duration of summer, rather than the four weeks currently permitted

Pubs will be allowed to install marquees in beer gardens for the entire summer instead of 28 days currently allowed, without the requirement for planning permission, the Government announced over the weekend (Saturday 20 March), including venues that are listed buildings.

This is part of a £56m Welcome Back Fund aims to help councils increase tourism, improve green spaces and provide more outdoor seating areas.

Part of the funding will be allocated specifically to support coastal areas, with funding going to all coastal resorts across England to safely welcome holiday makers in the coming months.

Support locals

Communities secretary Robert Jenrick said: “As we move to the next stage on the roadmap out of lockdown, we are all looking forward to being reunited with friends and family outdoors and making a safe and happy return to our favourite shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants.

“Our Welcome Back Fund gives every city, town and high street support to prepare for a great summer. This funding will help councils and businesses to welcome shoppers, diners and tourists back safely.

“As soon as the roadmap allows, we need to get behind our local businesses and enjoy all this country has to offer and that we have been missing so much.

“I’m allowing every pub in the country to erect a marquee in their garden for the whole summer as a one-off power to support our locals.”

Parking help

The Morning Advertiser has contacted the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to request more information around the erection of marques and for specifics about how long the duration will be and is currently waiting on a response.

The funding can also be used by councils to enhance the look and feel of high streets, run publicity campaigns, hold events such as street markets and festivals alongside install signage and floor markings to encourage social distancing and safety.

In addition, the Government has published its response to the Parking Code Framework, which aims to curb unfair tickets and intends to tackle cowboy parking firms through a new appeals process.

It means caps on private parking fines for motorists are set to be introduced in a bid to give drivers more confidence in heading into towns, knowing they won’t be penalised by rogue operators.