Overview

This bill aims to protect traditional pubs in England and Wales by creating a register of "heritage public houses," imposing restrictions on their sale, and giving them greater protection under planning laws. It also seeks to enhance their status as community assets.

Description

The bill mandates that local planning authorities in England create and maintain a register of heritage pubs within a year. A pub qualifies as a "heritage public house" if it's at least 150 years old and has been a pub in the last 10 years, or if it's been recently used as a pub and the local authority deems it of heritage significance.

Restrictions on Sale

The bill restricts the sale of registered heritage pubs. Owners must either obtain a covenant ensuring continued operation as a pub, or wait for a 12-month "enhanced moratorium period" (extendable to 24 months) after notifying the local authority of their intention to sell. This period allows time for community purchase offers.

Planning Applications

The bill requires owners to notify the local authority of any planned changes to the use of a registered pub. Permission will only be granted if the moratorium period has ended and no fair market price purchase offers have been received.

Interim Protection

If the Secretary of State proposes to list a registered pub as a protected building of architectural or historic interest, interim protection will be triggered, meaning planning laws apply as if it were already listed. Compensation is provided if the building is not eventually listed.

Community Asset Status

The bill amends the Localism Act 2011 to facilitate the designation of registered heritage pubs as assets of community value, making it easier for communities to prevent their sale or conversion.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred under the act, and any increase in spending under other acts caused by this one, will be met from money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are given.

Groups Affected

• Pub Owners: Face restrictions on selling heritage pubs and need to adhere to notification and moratorium periods. They may receive compensation for interim protection.
• Pub Occupiers (Tenants): Their rights are indirectly affected by changes in ownership and use of the premises.
• Local Planning Authorities: Responsible for creating and maintaining the register, processing notifications, and making decisions on planning applications.
• Communities: Given increased opportunities to purchase and preserve heritage pubs as community assets.
• Secretary of State: Responsible for setting regulations and handling listing proposals and compensation claims.

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