In England, there are plans to strengthen protections for pubs against being converted into housing or offices
The government plans to extend protection against conversion into housing or offices to all pubs in England. Housing Minister Angela Rayner is set to present the initiative this week as part of an update to planning regulations, according to The Guardian World.
Previously, the government had sought public input only on protecting the last remaining pub in a given area. Following concerns raised by representatives of the hospitality industry, ministers decided to apply the new rules to all pubs at risk of being rezoned.
Under the proposed changes, developers will have to prove that there is no realistic possibility of preserving the pub as a functioning establishment. Specifically, they must provide evidence that the property has been offered for sale for at least one year. Local authorities will also assess whether the loss of the pub would deprive the community of a gathering place.
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At the same time, the update to the national urban planning policy framework is expected to further ease certain restrictions on residential construction. The government aims to build 3 million housing units by the end of the current parliamentary term.
According to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), 794 pubs closed this year, 82 of which were demolished or converted. Representatives of pubs and restaurants attribute the pressure on the industry to rising employer National Insurance contributions, increases in the minimum wage, food price inflation, and high local tax rates on commercial real estate.
CAMRA has previously stated that limiting protection to only the last remaining pub in an area could jeopardize thousands of viable establishments across England.
