The hospitality sector in Renfrewshire has been boosted after being given the nod to use outdoor spaces.
Hospitality businesses will be able to place tables and chairs on the pavement outside their premises without submitting a planning application under measures expected to come into force at the end of next month.
Strong support was expressed in a public consultation for the extension of permitted development rights to enable more cafés, bars and restaurants to offer outdoor eating and drinking.
Regulations to implement the measures were laid in the Scottish Parliament on Friday for approval by MSPs.
Renfrewshire Council will, however, retain powers to prevent and deal with obstructions that make it difficult for people to access pavements safely and effectively.
For example, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments, or families with children in pushchairs will have to be taken into account when the chairs and tables are laid out.
The 12-week consultation also backed the relaxation of planning rules for the conversion of certain premises into cafes, restaurants, or small-scale offices, as well as the installation of larger electric vehicle charging equipment in car parks.
If approved by parliament, all these measures would be allowed under certain circumstances without the need for a planning
application.
Planning minister Tom Arthur said: “These measures will support Scotland’s town and city centre businesses to thrive.
“More flexible use of outdoor space can help the hospitality industry recover from the pandemic and cost crisis, while making city and town centres more attractive and welcoming.
“These measures will help deliver our ambition to create a fairer, greener and wealthier Scotland, by making places more attractive for people to live, work and visit.”
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