The House of Lords has voted to amend the Neighbourhood Planning Bill so it removes permitted development rights relating to the change of use or demolition of pubs.
Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab) tabled amendment 35 to amend the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to provide further protection for pubs. The amendment states: “The secretary of state must exercise the powers conferred by sections 59, 60, 61, 74 and 333(7) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to remove permitted development rights relating to the change of use or demolition of “drinking establishments”. Amendment 35 was agreed, 278 to 188.
Permitted development rights allow the change of use or demolition of pubs without going through the planning process. Many pubs affected by these changes are heritage assets.
The Bill had its third reading in the Lords on the 15th March and now returns to the Commons for consideration of Lords amendments.