The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,
Declares that Pryzm in Watford should not be closed down; further that Pryzm is the only town-based nightclub in Hertfordshire; further that Pryzm is a long-standing part of the culture of Watford; and further that if the planning application to build houses on the site and Pryzm itself is approved, it will have a detrimental effect on the local economy and especially the night-time economy.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to urge the local council to engage with developers and urge them to withdraw their planning application or refuse the application to build on the site of Pryzm in Watford, and should the application be refused, to urge the landlord not to evict Pryzm nightclub as tenants.
And the petitioners remain, etc—[Presented by Dean Russell, Official Report, 28 June 2022; Vol. 717, c. 268 .]
[P002742]
Observations from the Minister for Housing:
Watford Borough Council is responsible for the local planning of its area. The Government policy is not to interfere with the jurisdiction of a local planning authority or comment on specific proposals or schemes due to the quasi-judicial role of the Secretary of State unless it is necessary to do so. In determining a planning application the local planning authority is required to have regard to all material considerations including the development plan, national policies and views expressed by third parties. It is, of course, for local planning authorities to provide whatever justification that may be appropriate to give for their decisions and procedures.
When planning applications are considered, our national planning policy framework is clear that local plans and decisions should support the role that town centres play at the heart of local communities, by taking a positive approach to their growth, management and adaptation. It is the role of local plans to promote the long-term vitality and viability of town centres by allowing them to grow and diversify in a way that can respond to rapid changes in the retail and leisure industries, which allows a suitable mix of uses and which reflects their distinctive characters. Our planning practice guidance to local authorities recognises that evening and night-time activities have the potential to increase economic activity within town centres; helping to diversify and develop their unique brand beyond retail.