Extension of fast-track pavement licence procedure proposed until September 2022

In a letter sent to the leaders of Councils in England and Wales, the Secretary of State Rt Hon Robert Jenrick has confirmed additional measures he is proposing to place before Parliament to help the hospitality industry prosper when it plans to re-opens on the 12th April.

Firstly, the Government are proposing to extend the current fast track pavement licence procedure. This process was brought in last July through the Business and Planning Act, and is being extended for a further 12 months from its current expiration date, 31 September 2021.

It is expressed within the letter that the Government expect local authorities to grant fast track licences for 12 months or more, unless they have very good reason not to.

It is vague as to whether the extension applies to the Act in its entirety, and therefore would extend the off-sales relaxation, or just the pavement licence procedure.

Also extended are the relaxations to planning permission, affecting marquees and the provision of takeaways and deliveries.

It will be clearer once the amendments are tabled before Parliament, however at first glance the urgency that Mr Jenrick is placing on local authorities to help businesses reopen successfully over the next few months is certainly a welcome helping hand from the Government.