House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Planning update
14 July 2020 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Proposed by Robert Jenrick Reform Newark
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Local planning authorities should exercise caution when considering applications for change of use or demolition of cultural venues due to Covid-19 disruption.
- The government plans to amend legislation to remove permitted development rights for demolishing theatres, concert halls, and live music venues until December 2022.
- Local authorities are advised not to enforce planning restrictions unnecessarily on holiday parks extending their open season beyond the usual period due to the pandemic.
Issue summary
The statement addresses measures to prevent the loss of cultural venues and ease planning restrictions for holiday parks affected by the pandemic.
Action requested
Local planning authorities should consider applications for change of use or demolition of theatres, concert halls, and live music performance venues due to Covid-19 disruption with caution. The government intends to amend legislation to remove permitted development rights for demolishing these cultural venues until December 2022. Local authorities are advised not to enforce planning restrictions unnecessarily on caravan and holiday parks extending their open season beyond the usual summer period.
Key facts
- £1.57 billion financial support announced for the cultural sector.
- The policy applies until 31 December 2022 unless superseded by a further statement.
- Over 2,200 businesses in the caravan and holiday parks sector employ around 46,000 staff.