Overview

This bill aims to give local councils more control over the demolition or change of use of local shops and pubs, and the opening of supermarkets, by requiring planning permission in these instances. This would allow councils to better protect local businesses and community assets.

Description

The Local Services (Planning) Bill amends the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. It allows local planning authorities to create policies requiring planning permission before:

• Demolishing or changing the use of buildings previously used (within the last four years) as a public house or local independent shop;
• Using premises or land as a supermarket.

The bill defines "supermarket" and "local independent shop" through regulations set by the Secretary of State. "Public house" will also be defined by the Secretary of State, encompassing all premises licensed to serve alcohol for on-site consumption under the Licensing Act 2003. The Secretary of State has the power to create any necessary supplemental regulations and these regulations are subject to parliamentary approval.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The cost will likely depend on the administrative burden placed on local councils in processing additional planning applications. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Local Councils: Will gain more control over local development, potentially increasing their workload.
• Local Businesses (shops and pubs): May experience either more protection from closure or increased bureaucratic hurdles depending on council policy.
• Supermarket Chains: May face greater difficulties in opening new stores, potentially impacting expansion plans.
• Developers: Will face additional planning requirements when dealing with relevant properties.
• Publicans and Shopkeepers: May benefit from increased protection from demolition or conversion.

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