Warning over developers closing pubs without planning permission

Developers are flouting regulations by closing pubs without the required planning permission, according to research by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Of the 96 pubs that were demolished or converted to other uses across the UK in the first six months of the year, 31 lacked the required permissions, according to CAMRA.

Pubs in England cannot be converted or demolished without planning permission, a protection designed to give communities a say in the future of their neighbourhood pubs.

However, CAMRA said the “concerning figures” showed a third of pub losses this year had happened without this process taking place.

Gary Timmins, CAMRA pub and campaigns director, said there was a “shocking” difference between the approach of different councils over the issue.

He added that the figures were a “wakeup call” for the government to take a more proactive approach to ensuring developers and councils followed the regulations.

“The pub trade is resilient, but it’s simply unacceptable that developers are able to flout planning regulations in this manner,” said Timmins.

“We believe that if local planning authorities are not able to apply pub protections as set out in legislation, then government in Westminster must step in to provide clearer guidance.”

A further 772 pubs were classed as ‘long-term closed’, equivalent to around 30 sites closing a week, which is the highest figure since CAMRA revised its data collection methods in 2021.

However, CAMRA said many of these pubs could still reopen and most were seeking a new tenant or being marketed as pubs.

The campaign group is also calling for similar planning protections to be introduced in Wales and for the Scottish government to close a loophole which it said meant pubs could be demolished without planning permission.

The Local Government Association has been contacted for comment.

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