YORK Liberal Democrats are delighted to back the ‘Be Vocal For Your Local’ pub campaign.
Last year, City of York Council unanimously supported a Lib Dem motion which called on the authority to help protect pubs under planning legislation.
Our motion called for planning permission and community consultation to be required before pubs are allowed to be converted to betting shops, supermarkets and pay-day loan stores or other uses, or are allowed to be demolished.
This could be done through government legislation, via the Sustainable Communities Act, or through the adoption of a citywide ‘Article 4’ direction as The Press highlights. I know that officers on the council are actively considering the latter as work progresses on York’s Local Plan.
Whatever method is chosen, it is clear that action is needed. We have seen in recent weeks the battle many local communities have on their hands to protect pubs. They need more support as good local pubs at the heart of their community are worth fighting for.
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Heath Moor Drive, Fulford, York.
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