Measures supporting tourism and hospitality businesses throughout the pandemic could be made “permanent”, the Government has announced.
It means bars, cafes, restaurants, and other attractions may be allowed to bypass planning laws to continue to host guests outside.
The measures, known as permitted development rights (PDRs), were launched in response to the coronavirus pandemic to support the industry and keep customers safe.
These included rights for markets to be held by or on behalf of local councils for an unlimited number of days, encouraging the use of outdoor public spaces, and rights for moveable structures – such as marquees and additional seating – in the grounds of pubs, cafes, restaurants, and historic visitor attractions.
Temporary licensing arrangements also gave businesses a “lifeline” by enabling them to offer takeaway and al fresco dining.
But a new consultation, launched this month, aims to make these provisions permanent so that “people can continue to enjoy outdoor hospitality and local attractions”.
Commenting on the announcement, Secretary of State for Housing Robert Jenrick said: “The simple reforms we made during the pandemic to help hospitality businesses, markets and historic visitor attractions make use of outdoor spaces more easily, made a massive impact.
“They helped thousands of businesses and attractions to prosper, made out town centres livelier and have been enjoyed by millions of us.
“As part of our vision to transform high streets into thriving places to work, visit and live, we intend to make as many of these measures permanent fixtures of British life as possible.”
Click here to access the consultation.
For help and advice with related matters, please get in touch with our tourism team today.
