At present no planning permission (apart from for cosmetic changes - signs, aircon units etc.) is required for change of use from a pub to a shop and vice versa. Pubs and shops are very different animals, particularly with regard to traffic patterns and customer footfall. In Abingdon we have just had an example of why planning law needs to be changed such that full planning permission must be obtained for such changes of use. A failed pub has been acquired by Tesco and will be reopened as a Tesco Express. Friends of Abingdon Civic Society and others objected to this on the grounds of highway safety. However, not surprisingly in view of current planning law, the District Council planning committee had no option but to accept the planning officer’s recommendation to approve the application even though they noted the serious concerns raised about a dangerous increase in traffic at a very awkward junction. This is just one example of why Civic Voice needs to continue, and step up, its campaign for a change in planning law.
