Summary and implications
The Government has introduced new legislation in an attempt to
prevent the loss of drinking establishments that provide community
benefit.
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)
(Amendment) (England) Order 2015 (SI 2015/659) (the Order) came
into force in England on 6 April 2015. The Order disapplies
permitted development rights in relation to drinking establishments
considered to be specified buildings for a specified period of
time. This means that in certain circumstances, planning permission
will be required for the change of use or demolition of drinking
establishments.
In order to be classed as a specified building, a building must
firstly fall within Class A4 (drinking establishments) of the Use
Classes Order 1987. Secondly, the drinking establishment must
either be on a list of assets of community value or have been
nominated to be listed. An asset of community value is defined
under the Localism Act 2011
