Overview

The Neighbourhood Planning Bill makes amendments to the planning system, primarily focusing on clarifying the process of neighbourhood planning and restricting the permitted development rights for changes of use involving drinking establishments. The bill aims to improve local control over planning decisions while also addressing concerns regarding the conversion of pubs and similar venues.

Description

This bill modifies existing planning legislation in two key ways:

Neighbourhood Planning Regulations

The bill clarifies that regulations regarding neighbourhood planning must align with the National Planning Policy Framework. This ensures that local planning authorities cannot be prevented from applying conditions consistent with national guidelines.

Changes of Use of Drinking Establishments

The bill restricts permitted development rights related to changes of use or demolition of drinking establishments (pubs, bars, etc.). This means that converting such buildings for other purposes will require full planning permission, rather than falling under automatic permitted development rights, providing more control to local authorities. The Secretary of State is required to issue a development order removing existing permitted development rights for these changes and granting permission only for combined uses (such as a pub and restaurant).

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify new government spending. However, the administrative costs associated with enforcing the changes to permitted development rights may increase, whilst the potential loss of revenue from planning applications for conversions could be reduced

Groups Affected

The bill is likely to impact several groups:

• Local planning authorities: They gain greater control over the conversion of drinking establishments and clarification of neighbourhood planning regulations.
• Pub owners and developers: Facing stricter regulations on converting pubs, they may experience challenges in repurposing these buildings.
• Community groups involved in neighbourhood planning: This bill potentially strengthens their role in local planning decisions.
• Businesses that operate within Class A3 or A4: These businesses might be impacted by the changes to the permitted development rights depending on what they propose to do.

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