.jpg "Image illustrating Government to modernise planning and licensing rules")
Business Secretary Jonathon Reynolds and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have announced a series of reforms intended to make it easier to convert disused shops into hospitality venues and protect clubs and music venues from noise complaints concerning new developments.
A National Licensing Policy Framework will be implemented to modernise "outdated" planning and licensing rules as part of governmental plans to reduce the cost and complexity of opening and operating hospitality venues and to help small businesses grow.
It is hoped that the framework will standardise the process for securing planning permission and licences, rather than there being a "patchwork of local rules that currently delay or deter small businesses from opening".
Reynolds said: "This government has a plan to replace shuttered-up shops with vibrant places to socialise, turning them into thriving cafés or busy bars, which supports local jobs and gives people a place to get together and catch up over a beer or a coffee".
"Red tape has stood in the way of people’s business ideas for too long [and] we’re slashing those barriers to giving small business owners the freedom to flourish".
The government said it will introduce the 'agent of change' principle into national planning and licensing policy. Developers will be responsible for ensuring that their buildings are soundproofed if they are located near existing pubs, clubs and music venues.
The reforms also include the introduction of dedicated "hospitality zones", permissions for al fresco dining, street parties, and extended opening hours will be fast-tracked to increase "vibrancy and footfall" on high streets.
Simon Barry, Director of Planning Consultancy at Boyer, and a specialist in planning for hospitality, commented: "Having experience of dealing with noise complaints, and the impact the potential for noise has on enabling pubs, venues, or music clubs to operate, we support the ‘agent of change’ initiative".
"As for the hospitality zone, in principle, this sounds ideal. However, the devil will be in the detail, and will wait to see how this will sit alongside other local planning policies".
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