 |
Cambridge Liberal DemocratsGetting things done for Cambridge, all year round! |
 |
Huppert's Bill takes pubs and shops fight to Parliament
July 4, 2012 1:17 PM
MP Julian Huppert will take the fight to protect Cambridge's pubs and independent shops to Parliament.
He will raise the issue in a so-called 10 Minute Rule Bill after the idea was suggested by a number of city residents.
Julian will ask to bring a Bill which would prevent the demolition or change of use of a pub or local independent shop without planning permission. Planning permission would also be needed before the premises or land could be used for a supermarket.
The idea came after Julian was selected in a ballot to present a Private Member's Bill to Parliament on July 10 and he asked Cambridge residents to come up with ideas.
Julian said: "We had a very good response and people suggested some very strong local and national issues. I decided that the Bill should highlight the threat to our local pubs and shops which we are fighting constantly to protect. This affects Cambridge, but also many towns and cities across the country.
"The Bill also follows on from our Cambridge Amendment which we took to the House of Lords last year calling on the government to change the law in this area under its planning reforms.
"We have lost numerous pubs and many independent shops and this not only puts Cambridge's economy at risk but also threatens to damage communities and change the face of the city. It is crucial that we do everything in our power to safeguard them."