Extra outdoor seating allowed without planning permission

TOWN centre businesses will be allowed to put extra seating and tables outside as they reopen from lockdown without the need for planning permission.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced at the weekend that there were plans to allow shops and businesses to start reopening their doors next month. With the need for social distancing guidelines to be in place, cafes and pubs have been told that they will be able to have extra furniture outside as long as it is safe.

Adam Paynter, deputy leader of Cornwall Council, said: “When business premises wish to place tables, chairs and other temporary furniture adjoining but outside the boundaries of their unit, a change of use planning permission is normally required for this.

“However, as part of the Council’s Covid-19 recovery strategy, the local planning authority will tolerate and not take any enforcement action for 2020, in respect of any business in a town centre who wishes to place outside temporary furniture adjoining their premises without planning permission, providing of course that there are no public safety implications.

DEREK THOMAS, MP

“This is to allow businesses to reopen safely and provide additional space to enable customers to exercise any social distancing requirements as well as supporting businesses through this difficult economic period.”

Rob Nolan, Cabinet member for environment and public safety, added: “I am really pleased that the council are thinking ahead on this.”