Friday 23rd March 2007
(ref:
86/2007)
Practical planning advice for businesses that will have to go smoke free when new rules come into force this summer is now available from Wigan Council.
From July 1st smoking will be banned from any building accessible to the public, in what’s likely to be one of the biggest changes to social life ever seen in England.
Already some businesses are anticipating the new rules by creating outdoor smoking areas – but, say planners, many more have still to act, and don’t realise they may need to apply for planning permission.
A simple guide to the planning requirements involved in adapting premises to meet the new law has now been published by the council.
It will be useful to people who run pubs, hotels, restaurants, clubs, offices, shops, schools, health facilities and any other building where people are employed.
Smoking will not be allowed in ‘wholly or substantially enclosed’ premises, and the booklet defines what that actually means. It provides advice on whether planning permission is needed for outside smoking shelters and where they can and can’t be located.
For example, while it’s unlikely any changes will be needed to use existing beer gardens for smoking, planning permission could well be required if new timber decking is provided.
Advice on issues such as noise, design and permissible hours of use is also included.
Wigan Council’s assistant director of planning, Dave Melling, said:
“The introduction of the new rules from July 1st will have a huge impact on hundreds of pubs, clubs, shops, restaurants and other businesses across the borough.
“Some have already prepared for this but it’s clear that many more haven’t. If they want to introduce special smoking facilities then there will almost certainly be planning requirements they need to consider.
“This booklet is aimed at offering simple practical advice to help them make the transition as smooth as possible.”
Mr Melling pointed out that a partly enclosed extension to a pub or other building that has previously not been used for a smoking area can have adverse amenity effects if placed near to neighbouring dwellings.
“Talk to a planner if you’ve any doubt what you can or can’t do”, he added.
The booklet, entitled Smoke free premises – your guide to Town Planning requirements is available from the Environmental Services Department, Civic Buildings, New Market Street, Wigan tel 01942 404256. It is also available on the Smoke free premises webpage.
Note to editors
For further information contact Dave Melling, 01942 404255.
