‘Hospitality zones’ and noise rule unveiled in planning shake-up

The reforms will also introduce a ‘agent of change’ principle as well as slash "red tape" to make it easier for venues to open in place of disused shops, according to the Department for Business and Trade.

A new National Licensing Policy Framework will modernise outdated planning and licensing rules, cutting the cost, complexity, and time it takes to open and operate hospitality venues, the Department added.

The reforms will make it easier to convert disused shops into hospitality venues, and protect long-standing pubs, clubs, and music venues from noise complaints by new developments.

As part of this, the Government said it will introduce the 'agent of change' principle into national planning and licensing policy – meaning developers will be responsible for soundproofing their buildings if they choose to build near existing pubs, clubs or music venues.

The new 'hospitality zones', will meanwhile allow permissions for alfresco dining, street parties and extended opening hours to be fast-tracked.

The Government also said the new National Licensing Policy Framework will streamline and standardise the process for securing planning permission and licences, "removing the patchwork of local rules that currently delay or deter small businesses from opening".

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: "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."

Adam Carey