Wyre forest MP has met with planning minister Nick Boles MP to discuss permitted development rights for pubs
The village of Areley Kings is faced with not one, but two significant planning issues. Not only has Malvern Hills proposed to dump 62 unwanted homes on the edge of the village, but the Squirrel pub faces a takeover by Tesco.
Tesco have recently submitted a planning application for an extension and external alterations to the Squirrel Pub for future use as a Tesco express. Mark Garnier MP met with Nick Boles MP, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Planning, after concerns were raised by local residents and the Leader of the Council.
Cllr Marcus Hart, Leader of the Council, wrote to Mark to express concerns about specific change of use planning permission not being required when changing the use of a building from a public house to a retail premises.
Mark Garnier said “Residents of Areley Kings have contacted me with concerns about the plans to change the Squirrel Public House to a retail premises. Cllr Marcus Hart has also highlighted concerns about permitted development rights and the fact that no planning permission is required to change a pub to a retail premises. This is a worrying fault with the planning regulations and Tesco is using this loophole to undermine much loved local businesses and traders.
“That is why I have raised these concerns to Nick Boles MP, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Planning. It is vital that these concerns are heard at the highest level.”