Cafe culture to revitalise our derelict high streets

DISUSED shops on the nation’s high streets will be transformed into cafes, bars and music venues under plans for a town centre renaissance.

- By David Williamson CHIEF POLITICAL COMMENTATOR

In a bid to put the buzz back into town centres, permission for al fresco dining, extended opening hours and street parties will be fast-tracked in new “hospitality zones”.

Longstanding music venues will also be protected against noise complaints from new developments.

The reforms are part of a “small business plan” to be unveiled this week. It comes after the Government has faced fierce criticism for hiking employers’ National Insurance contributions and cuts to business rate relief.

A new “national licensing policy framework” is intended to cut the “cost, complexity and time it takes to open and operate hospitality venues”.

The Government says its new measures will ensure “the buzz of the high street can thrive without being silenced”.