Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the agent of change principle applies to (a) licensing and (b) statutory nuisance complaints against (i) pubs and (ii) nightclubs.

National planning policy is clear about the importance of ensuring that new development can be integrated effectively with existing businesses and community facilities.

The ‘agent of change’ principle in the National Planning Policy Framework applies to all forms of existing businesses and community facilities that could be adversely affected by new development in their vicinity and requires the applicant to provide suitable mitigation if development is to be allowed.

Planning Policy Guidance on noise advises how planning can manage potential noise impacts in new developments. Further guidance on noise and statutory nuisance is published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Home Office.