BBPA urges Government to 'stick to its guns' on red tape reforms

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has urged the government to "stick to its guns" on planning reform that could result in less red tape for pubs that want to make minor modifications to premises.

The current planning system means that pubs and pub companies are often subject to costly delays when attempting to make often fairly small expansions and alterations to premises, according to the BBPA.

The comments come as the trade body submits evidence on the National Planning Policy Framework.

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said the Government is right to pursue a reforming agenda when it comes to planning because it is critical to the country's growth strategy.

"We need a 'can do' culture from councils - and this means a presumption in favour of approving improvements or expansions of small and sustainable businesses like breweries or pubs, whilst of course taking on board legitimate development control concerns," she explained.

"Time wasted while local authorities ponder minor changes means lost revenue for these businesses, which have been enduring an ever increasing burden of high taxes and red tape in recent years. For a sector on which almost one million jobs depend, this matters to the whole economy."

The current planning debate focuses on tackling delays in bringing forward major development projects but the BBPA said other significant red-tape restraints in the system should not be ignored, as they are holding back many small businesses like pubs.

Key proposals from the BBPA include:

• A strong 'yes' to the presumption in favour of sustainable development
• A greater focus on tourism development, as a key area which could be included in local plans
• Less restrictions on 'change of use' rules, to prevent unnecessary barriers, particularly in town centres

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By Janie Stamford

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