Nigel Adams was recently selected by a ballot in Parliament to bring forward legislation on a subject of his choice.  Following consultation with residents in Selby and Ainsty, Nigel decided to use this opportunity to give local services such as pubs greater protection from demolition or change of use. 

Nigel's Protection of Local Services (Planning) Bill will give local councils in England the power to close loopholes in planning law which allow local services such as pubs, post offices, local shops and community centres to be demolished without the need to seek planning permission.  It could also be used to protect pubs in particular which can be turned into cafes, restaurants or financial services offices without giving communities a say.
 
Nigel Adams MP said: ‘For too long, community buildings have been able to be demolished despite the wishes of local people. It is crucial that we stand up for them. Local services and especially pubs are at the very centre of our communities, providing employment, contributing to the local economy and to community well-bring.  It is time that they were protected.  My Bill will allow local councils to opt-in where there is a need within their communities and require that developers seek planning permission before demolishing our pubs and other valued local service.”

Nigel’s decision to bring this Bill forward has been strongly supported by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.  Mike Benner, CAMRA’s Chief Executive said:
 
‘This Bill will empower local communities and offer a much-needed lifeline to community pubs and other local services.  Pubs are in crisis, with 39 closing every single week.  A third of these pubs are then demolished without giving local communities a chance to save them.  Both councils and communities are powerless to act as valued and viable pubs are destroyed.’