The government has announced reforms to overhaul planning and licensing rules to boost the number of hospitality venues opening in empty shops.

It has promised that the shake-up will ‘make it quicker and easier for new cafes, bars and music venues to open’ in place of disused shops.

Under the changes, a new National Licensing Policy Framework will be introduced to ‘modernise outdated planning and licensing rules’.

An ‘Agent of Change’ principle will be introduced 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.

New dedicated ‘hospitality zones’, will also be introduced where permissions for alfresco dining, street parties and extended opening hours will be fast-tracked.

Any measures to cut red tape are welcome although the Agent of Change rules for soundproofing may push up costs for some developments.

It will be interesting to see if there is market appetite for the measures too. Many cafes, bars and music venues are already struggling to survive with the high cost of doing business, whether that is from government employment rights reforms and employer national insurance contribution increases or the high cost of electricity and other overheads.

The proposals will be subject to an initial Call for Evidence although the government has pledged to deliver them ‘as soon as possible’.

Some opposition prior to introduction and during the post-reform planning process, as well as complaints after venues open, is to be expected.

We will see what is in the final policies and what this means in practice. We will keep you updated but please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more about what this could mean for your plans or project.