Latest news with #planningrules
The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Ministers seek to overhaul rules to make it easier to open pubs and music venues
Ministers have pledged to make it easier to open new bars, music venues and cafes as part of plans to rejuvenate the high street. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said she wants to 'protect pavement pints' as a new licensing framework will also fast-track permissions for al fresco dining in dedicated areas as the Government looks to modernise planning rules. The Government wants to make it easier to convert disused shops into venues, and dedicated 'hospitality zones' will be brought forward that could see permissions for outside dining, street parties and extended opening hours pushed through quickly. Developers will also be made responsible for soundproofing buildings they construct near pubs or clubs, to protect existing venues from noise complaints. The Government has said the plans will be subject to a call for evidence. The Business Secretary has said that 'red tape has stood in the way of people's business ideas for too long'. Jonathan Reynolds said: 'This Government has a plan to replace shuttered up shops with vibrant places to socialise, turning them into thriving cafes or busy bars, which support local jobs and give 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.' Ms Reeves said that 'pubs and bars are at the heart of British life'. 'For too long, they've been stifled by clunky, outdated rules. We're binning them, to protect pavement pints, al fresco dining and street parties – not just for the summer, but all year round,' she added. An industry body warned earlier in July that the equivalent of more than one pub per day will close across Great Britain this year, pointing to high bills and taxes. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) estimated that 378 pubs will close this year across England, Wales and Scotland, which it said would amount to more than 5,600 direct job losses. The projected 2025 figures compare with 350 closures in 2024. Bar chain Brewdog announced this week that it would close 10 of its venues, as chief executive James Taylor told staff it is partly in response to 'rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures'. Representatives of the hospitality industry welcomed the changes but said they should go hand in hand with a cut to business rates as cost pressures threaten to 'tax out of existence' some businesses. Kate Nicholls, chairwoman of UKHospitality, said: 'We strongly welcome these proposals to cut red tape and make it easier to open and operate hospitality venues, create jobs and grow the economy. 'But positive and encouraging as these measures certainly are, they can't on their own offset the immediate and mounting cost pressures facing hospitality businesses which threaten to tax out of existence the businesses and jobs that today's announcement seeks to support.' Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: 'After bringing together key voices in the pubs and the wider hospitality sector, it's great news that many of the industry's recommendations on how best to cut red-tape and support growth will be acted on. 'These changes must go hand in hand with meaningful business rates reform, mitigating staggering employment costs, and a cut in beer duty so that pubs can thrive at the heart of the community.' Andrew Griffith MP, shadow business secretary, said: 'Though any cutting of red tape for hospitality businesses is welcome, this is pure hypocrisy and inconsistency from Labour.' He said the Government was 'crippling the hospitality industry by doubling business rates, imposing a jobs tax and a full-on strangulation of employment red tape'. 'As the result, shorter opening hours, shedding jobs and expensive pints are becoming the norm.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ministers want to overhaul rules to make it easier to open pubs and music venues
Ministers have pledged to make it easier to open new bars, music venues and cafes as part of plans to rejuvenate the high street. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said she wants to 'protect pavement pints' as a new licensing framework will also fast-track permissions for al fresco dining in dedicated areas as the Government looks to modernise planning rules. The Government wants to make it easier to convert disused shops into venues, and dedicated 'hospitality zones' will be brought forward that could see permissions for outside dining, street parties and extended opening hours pushed through quickly. Developers will also be made responsible for soundproofing buildings they construct near pubs or clubs, to protect existing venues from noise complaints. The Government has said the plans will be subject to a call for evidence. The Business Secretary has said that 'red tape has stood in the way of people's business ideas for too long'. Jonathan Reynolds said: 'This Government has a plan to replace shuttered up shops with vibrant places to socialise, turning them into thriving cafes or busy bars, which support local jobs and give 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.' Ms Reeves said that 'pubs and bars are at the heart of British life'. 'For too long, they've been stifled by clunky, outdated rules. We're binning them, to protect pavement pints, al fresco dining and street parties – not just for the summer, but all year round,' she added. An industry body warned earlier in July that the equivalent of more than one pub per day will close across Great Britain this year, pointing to high bills and taxes. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) estimated that 378 pubs will close this year across England, Wales and Scotland, which it said would amount to more than 5,600 direct job losses. The projected 2025 figures compare with 350 closures in 2024. Bar chain Brewdog announced this week that it would close 10 of its venues, as chief executive James Taylor told staff it is partly in response to 'rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures'. Representatives of the hospitality industry welcomed the changes but said they should go hand in hand with a cut to business rates as cost pressures threaten to 'tax out of existence' some businesses. Kate Nicholls, chairwoman of UKHospitality, said: 'We strongly welcome these proposals to cut red tape and make it easier to open and operate hospitality venues, create jobs and grow the economy. 'But positive and encouraging as these measures certainly are, they can't on their own offset the immediate and mounting cost pressures facing hospitality businesses which threaten to tax out of existence the businesses and jobs that today's announcement seeks to support.' Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: 'After bringing together key voices in the pubs and the wider hospitality sector, it's great news that many of the industry's recommendations on how best to cut red-tape and support growth will be acted on. 'These changes must go hand in hand with meaningful business rates reform, mitigating staggering employment costs, and a cut in beer duty so that pubs can thrive at the heart of the community.' Andrew Griffith MP, shadow business secretary, said: 'Though any cutting of red tape for hospitality businesses is welcome, this is pure hypocrisy and inconsistency from Labour.' He said the Government was 'crippling the hospitality industry by doubling business rates, imposing a jobs tax and a full-on strangulation of employment red tape'. 'As the result, shorter opening hours, shedding jobs and expensive pints are becoming the norm.'
The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Ministers want to overhaul rules to make it easier to open pubs and music venues
Ministers have pledged to make it easier to open new bars, music venues and cafes as part of plans to rejuvenate the high street. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said she wants to 'protect pavement pints' as a new licensing framework will also fast-track permissions for al fresco dining in dedicated areas as the Government looks to modernise planning rules. The Government wants to make it easier to convert disused shops into venues, and dedicated 'hospitality zones' will be brought forward that could see permissions for outside dining, street parties and extended opening hours pushed through quickly. Developers will also be made responsible for soundproofing buildings they construct near pubs or clubs, to protect existing venues from noise complaints. The Government has said the plans will be subject to a call for evidence. The Business Secretary has said that 'red tape has stood in the way of people's business ideas for too long'. Jonathan Reynolds said: 'This Government has a plan to replace shuttered up shops with vibrant places to socialise, turning them into thriving cafes or busy bars, which support local jobs and give 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.' Ms Reeves said that 'pubs and bars are at the heart of British life'. 'For too long, they've been stifled by clunky, outdated rules. We're binning them, to protect pavement pints, al fresco dining and street parties – not just for the summer, but all year round,' she added. An industry body warned earlier in July that the equivalent of more than one pub per day will close across Great Britain this year, pointing to high bills and taxes. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) estimated that 378 pubs will close this year across England, Wales and Scotland, which it said would amount to more than 5,600 direct job losses. The projected 2025 figures compare with 350 closures in 2024. Bar chain Brewdog announced this week that it would close 10 of its venues, as chief executive James Taylor told staff it is partly in response to 'rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures'. Representatives of the hospitality industry welcomed the changes but said they should go hand in hand with a cut to business rates as cost pressures threaten to 'tax out of existence' some businesses. Kate Nicholls, chairwoman of UKHospitality, said: 'We strongly welcome these proposals to cut red tape and make it easier to open and operate hospitality venues, create jobs and grow the economy. 'But positive and encouraging as these measures certainly are, they can't on their own offset the immediate and mounting cost pressures facing hospitality businesses which threaten to tax out of existence the businesses and jobs that today's announcement seeks to support.' Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: 'After bringing together key voices in the pubs and the wider hospitality sector, it's great news that many of the industry's recommendations on how best to cut red-tape and support growth will be acted on. 'These changes must go hand in hand with meaningful business rates reform, mitigating staggering employment costs, and a cut in beer duty so that pubs can thrive at the heart of the community.' Andrew Griffith MP, shadow business secretary, said: 'Though any cutting of red tape for hospitality businesses is welcome, this is pure hypocrisy and inconsistency from Labour.' He said the Government was 'crippling the hospitality industry by doubling business rates, imposing a jobs tax and a full-on strangulation of employment red tape'. 'As the result, shorter opening hours, shedding jobs and expensive pints are becoming the norm.'
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Masterchef judge attacks local council after he claims it cut the number of supper clubs he can hold at his farmhouse
Controversial Masterchef judge William Sitwell has launched an extraordinary attack on his local council after he says it effectively cut the number of supper clubs he can hold at his rural Somerset farmhouse. Mr Sitwell - who resigned as editor of Waitrose Food magazine in 2018 after joking about killing vegans - blasted council planners after he was forced to apply for permission to continue holding the Sitwell Supper Club events at his £800,000 Rooks Nest Farm near Taunton. The outspoken food critic recently discovered that he was technically in breach of planning rules by holding the evenings in a former cow shed on the farm, because he was feeding humans rather than animals. In response, he had to apply to Somerset Council for a change of use for the building, switching from agricultural use to accommodate dining events. Although the application was granted, it was with the condition that he can only hold 12 events a year. He says he had previously held a premises licence which allowed him two a week, meaning the number he can hold has considerably reduced. 'I had a premises licence granted for events on a Friday and Saturday of every week,' Mr Sitwell explained. As far as I was concerned it was kosher. Several years later this thing then popped up - I was in technical breach because I was feeding humans rather than cows or horses in an agricultural building. 'Now I can only hold 12 a year. What councils should be doing is opening their arms to say how can we help you, not how can we make life hard for you? 'The principle is completely absurd. I hire local people. I entertain local people. I buy products from local people. I buy beer from local people. 'Profit margins are very small and I haven't jacked up my prices. I'm obsessed, passionate and bonkers about these supper clubs. There is this real sense of happiness and fun and that I have created something extraordinary. 'When I'm cleaning loos or scrubbing tables and I'm thinking the local authority isn't helping me it does make me wonder 'Why do I do it? I literally do not understand it.' Foodie Mr Sitwell bought remote Rook's Nest Farm with his wife Emily in October 2020. He began holding supper clubs not long after, bringing in often Michelin-starred chefs to cook a full meal for paying guests. In documents for the planning application, his agent said: 'Mr Sitwell owns Rook's Nest Farm and he is an author, editor, journalist and food critic and is instrumental within the surrounding area for promoting the use of local food produce within public houses and restaurants and recently spearheaded the Dulverton Restaurant Festival which involved not only many of the local eateries and but also local food and drink suppliers. 'The event was extremely well supported and demonstrated that the interest that the owners of such businesses have in such an event but also the great interest from the local community. 'The events that he has held at Rook's Nest Farm have also been very successful and are always sold out in advance. His angry comments come after he was forced to apply for planning permission to continue holding the Sitwell Supper Club events 'Such events provide a highly valuable social and community service whereby local suppliers get the opportunity to highlight their produce and services and local people get the opportunity to attend high quality dining experiences without having to leave the county.' The documents stated that Mr Sitwell is currently running around eight events a year, with around 65 diners and 10 staff. 'This application is for the change of use to allow this building and yard areas to be used for social functions that the applicant provides and manages himself, and this for the most part is creating a dining experience in a rural setting, where Mr Sitwell engages exceptional chefs and catering staff to create a high quality dining experience utilising where possible locally sourced produce,' it went on. Tobias Palmer, senior ecologist at Somerset County Council, warned of lighting affecting bats while transport bosses told Mr Sitwell to install some electric vehicle charging points to encourage the use of EVs. A planning officer's report recommended approval, adding: 'The conversion of the barn supports the rural tourism economy providing both employment and social benefits to the community. 'The development would have no adverse impact on ecology, subject to conditions, or highway safety. 'The consent is limited to 12 (supper club) functions a year to manage impacts on nearby residents, with the sale of alcohol controlled through a separate licensing process.' Mr Sitwell said he felt the 12-a-year limitation was effectively 'limiting my ability to trade' and said council departments needed to communicate more effectively. The Australian-born chef has insisted 'he had absolutely no recollection' of using a racist term while drinking with colleagues seven years ago A spokesperson for Somerset Council said they were under the assumption that Mr Sitwell had agreed to 12 events a year via his agent. More events could be held in future, but it would need a revised application, they added. They said: 'The decision on the number of events was taken based on the information the applicant provided.' It comes after huge controversy surrounding the BBC show with the sacking of both presenters John Torode and Gregg Wallace. Torode was dramatically axed from MasterChef - hours after the BBC's director general refused to back him over an allegation of using racist language. The corporation said the host's contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an 'extremely offensive racist term' during drinks after filming the show. The complaint against Torode was revealed in the report into co-presenter Gregg's inappropriate behaviour. Wallace, 60, was sacked after dozens of complaints against him were upheld. It comes as reports suggest the Australian chef could take legal action against the BBC after he was sacked from MasterChef. Sources suggest the chef is 'preparing to launch a lawsuit against the BBC' and wants to pursue bosses for unfair dismissal. New reports have claimed the BBC sacked John Torode after he allegedly 'used the N-word twice while singing along to a Kanye West song'. The MasterChef host, 59, was reportedly singing the rapper's hit Gold Digger when he was allegedly 'caught using the racist term during after work drinks six or seven years ago'. The Sun claims Torode used the word again whilst chatting to a friend on the MasterChef's production team, who didn't take offence. The Australian-born chef has insisted 'he had absolutely no recollection' of using a racist term while drinking with colleagues seven years ago. The person who raised the complaint is understood to have 'overheard the conversation'. The production pal allegedly backed Torode and said he only used the racial slur as an 'example' and 'apologised afterwards'. A witness told investigators he had apologised immediately, 'was mortified' and 'didn't use the term as a slur' in 2018. The BBC said on Tuesday that Torode's contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an 'extremely offensive racist term' during an evening out after filming the show. The corporation has refused to say what the racist term was - as has Torode, who has claimed he did 'not believe that it happened'. MasterChef bosses are reportedly pushing to air Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final series 'when the dust settles' after they were both sacked from the cooking show. The upcoming series' - which have already been filmed - features former I'm A Celeb star and restaurant critic Grace Dent, who replaced Wallace to co-host with Torode. The Sun reports that The BBC and production company Banijay plan to air both the amateur and celebrity editions. However, MailOnline understands BBC director general Tim Davie, who has the final say, has not yet made his decision on whether MasterChef will or will not be aired.
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Couple are ordered to tear down 'unsightly' log cabin illegally built in national park after uproar by 'appalled' locals
A couple have been told to tear down their 'unsightly' log cabin in a national park after locals complained it was a blight on the 'picturesque' landscape. Andrew and Deborah Melbourne built the fully insulated home on their land west of Lovedean Lane in Waterlooville, a viewpoint across the South Downs National Park. However, after an investigation by East Hampshire District Council on behalf of the South Downs National Park Authority, it was found that the cabin breached planning rules. The couple agreed last month that they would knock down the wooden building. It is a move that would leave residents 'thrilled', councillor Sara Schillemore said. 'Residents were appalled to see this unsightly structure being erected in one of the most picturesque and valuable viewpoints in East Hampshire,' the ward councillor for the area of Catherington said. She added that it is 'vitally important that we protect our precious landscape'. Between September 2024 and February 2025 officers served a planning contravention notice, two enforcement notices and a stop notice to the couple. In May, ahead of a scheduled High Court hearing in June, the Melbournes signed a legally binding contract agreeing to remove the building, take away the log cabin and return the landscape to its original condition. Councillor Angela Glass, portfolio holder for planning and enforcement, said: 'We are delighted this legal agreement has been signed and we now expect the development to be cleared over the next couple of months. 'This is the culmination of many months of complex legal and enforcement work by our determined team of officers to reach this position. 'I want residents to understand that if people breach planning rules, then we have the means to take action against them.' Tim Slaney, Director of Planning at the South Downs National Park Authority, said: 'I'm delighted we've reached a resolution to this breach of planning that was harming this wonderful nationally designated landscape. 'I would like to thank East Hampshire District Council which pursued this enforcement case with determination, making it clear we will not tolerate blatant breaches of planning.' The agreement sets out a 56-day deadline to carry out the work. Failure to comply with this type of legal agreement can lead to enforcement proceedings in the High Court which can lead to costly legal fees and even a custodial sentence.
