Government grants permission for pubs and restaurants in Bedfordshire to operate as takeaways during coronavirus

Planning rules will be relaxed so pubs and restaurants can operate as hot food takeaways during the coronavirus outbreak, the communities secretary has confirmed.

Currently, planning permission is required for businesses to carry out a change of use to a hot food takeaway. But the Government has confirmed regulations will be relaxed to enable businesses to deliver this service without a planning application.

The measures are the latest in a series of practical steps the Government is taking to support businesses and help people who need to self-isolate, as well as vulnerable groups and older people who have been strongly advised to avoid social contact outside their homes to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Government has confirmed the relaxations to planning rules will be put in place as soon as possible.

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