Temporary Permitted Development Rights for Pubs and Restaurants / Cafés in England
The Government announced on the 18th March 2020 that planning regulation in England will be relaxed so that pubs and restaurants as well as cafes can operate as hot food takeaways during the coronavirus pandemic.
Planning permission would normally be required for pubs (A4 use – drinking establishments) and restaurants and cafes (A3 use – restaurants and cafes) to function as a hot food takeaway (A5 use – hot food takeaways). The Housing Secretary (Robert Jenkins) stated that “these changes will provide vital flexibility to pubs and restaurants and will ensure people are able to safely stay at home while still supporting some of the great local businesses across the country”.
On 24th March 2020 the planning regulation was officially relaxed with the introduction of Class DA within the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)(England) Order 2015 which allows restaurants and cafes, drinking establishments and drinking establishments with expanded food provision to temporary provide takeaway food.
The provision is only temporary and ends on 23rd March 2021, which then the respective businesses (pubs and restaurants) would revert back to their previous lawful use. A condition of the permitted development right is for the developer to notify the local planning authority if the building and any land within its curtilage is being used, or will be used, for the provision of takeaway food at any time during the relevant period.
Ernest View’s Planning Team is closely monitoring the planning changes and providing updates via the ‘News’ section on our website. Should you wish to discuss these changes or receive advice then please contact us.
