A major overhaul of planning and licensing rules is set to make it faster and easier for new cafes, bars and music venues to open in disused shops, in a bid to revitalise high streets and support small businesses.
The changes include the introduction of new ‘hospitality zones’ where permissions for alfresco dining, extended opening hours and street parties will be fast-tracked. The reforms also aim to protect long-standing venues from noise complaints by new developments.
Part of the Government’s upcoming Small Business Plan, the measures will form a key part of the wider Plan for Change – a programme designed to rejuvenate small firms and put more money into people’s pockets.
The new National Licensing Policy Framework will streamline and standardise the planning and licensing process across the country. It is designed to cut the cost, complexity and delays currently faced by small businesses trying to open hospitality venues, and encourage more entrepreneurs to transform empty units into places for people to eat, drink and gather.
The reforms will also introduce the ‘Agent of Change’ principle into national policy, meaning developers must take responsibility for soundproofing if they build near existing pubs, clubs or music venues.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan 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. Today we’re slashing those barriers to giving small business owners the freedom to flourish.
“From faster café openings to easier alfresco dining, our Plan for Change will put the buzz back into our town centres and money back into the pockets of local entrepreneurs, because when small businesses thrive, communities come alive.”
The plans build on initiatives already underway, including the High Street Rental Auction Scheme, which gives councils powers to auction leases for properties left empty for over a year.
The Government will begin an initial Call for Evidence shortly, with all reforms to be delivered as soon as possible. The programme forms part of a wider pledge to reduce the administrative cost of regulation by at least 25 per cent.
Declan Riddell, policy adviser at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, added: “The proposal to slash red tape and breathe new life into our high streets is welcome news. A thriving nighttime economy can drive footfall back into our town centres but wider reform is needed for our high streets. This should include an overhaul of the business rates system and levelling of the playing field between bricks and mortar retailers and their online peers.”
