Consultation Launched on Outdoor Measures

Planning reforms are being proposed to help support hospitality businesses, markets and historic visitor attractions so outdoor space can be used more easily.

Temporary measures, which have given a huge boost to high streets and hospitality during the COVID-19 pandemic, could be made permanent following on from a public consultation which launched on 5 September 2021.

From marquees being put up in pub grounds, to street market operating all year round, permitted development rights (PDRs) have allowed people to enjoy al fresco dining, as well as visit their local town centres and tourist attractions as the nation has slowly reopened from the pandemic.

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 attraction 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.”

These planning reforms have also given businesses and councils a lifeline to operate alongside the right to regenerate and new licencing arrangements. The UK Government is aiming to make a number of these permanent so people can continue to enjoy outdoor hospitality and attractions, and businesses can innovate, as the country builds back better from the Coronavirus. Now, the public will have the opportunity to be able to give their views on the proposed reforms, so they can continue to benefit everyone in the future.

The permitted development rights introduced over the past year and that the government are now consulting on include:

1. Right for markets to be held by or on behalf of local councils

As lockdown restrictions were eased in June 2020, the government implemented a temporary PDR which allowed markets to be held by, or on behalf of local councils for an unlimited number of days, including the provision of moveable structures related to this use.

This supported communities to hold outdoor markets and encouraged the use of outdoor public spaces, both to increase public health initiatives and the reopening of the high street. The government is proposing that this right be made permanent.

2. Right for moveable structures in the grounds of pubs, cafes, restaurants and historic visitor attractions

In April 2021, moveable structures such as marquees and additional seating were allowed for the first time in the grounds of listed buildings, helping support the important hospitality and tourism sectors.

This has helped businesses increase capacity as they reopened, and the government is now seeking views on making this permanent.

The consultation will also seek views on new permitted development rights to support the efficient development of Ministry of Defence sites. This includes providing more accommodation, workspace, and training facilities at fewer facilities to reduce the pressure on local authorities.

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