On the 17th of August, the Government announced that they are introducing stronger planning protections for pubs and CAMRA chairman Ash Corbett-Collins sent the following member communication.
This is a big campaign win for us.
Several months ago, the Government tried to seriously water down planning protections for our locals, which would have made it much harder for successful, viable and valued pubs to be saved from greedy developers trying to make extra cash by converting a pub.
Since then, thousands of you took part in our campaign and contacted your MP asking for a rethink from the Government.
Because of our consistent campaigning and discussions with MPs and civil servants, we have secured this rethink.
We now have better protections in the planning system to stop much-loved pubs being lost to communities and giving people a better chance at saving their local from redevelopment.
It’s not right that viable businesses can be run into the ground by developers who think they can make more by converting a successful pub into a house or flats instead.
This proves that when we join together and speak out and make the case for pubs, MPs, civil servants and government ministers listen.
I want to say a big thank you. Being a member of the CAMRA family, contacting your MP or supporting your CAMRA branch makes a huge difference.
So, what’s next?
We know times are still exceptionally tough for licensees and independent brewers, and that drinkers aren’t getting the choice or quality they want.
With the Autumn Budget coming up, we’ll be asking for your support again as crucial decisions will be made on things like VAT, alcohol duty and employment costs for pubs, social clubs and breweries.
We’ve also launched our new campaign to get the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate global domination in British brewing and make changes to give independent brewers a fair shot at getting their beers onto bars.
This announcement on planning protections shows that CAMRA members contacting MPs, making the case for pro-pub policies and being a strong voice for ordinary drinkers really does make a difference.
Thank you.
Cheers,
Ash Corbett-Collins
CAMRA Chairman
