St Albans MP Anne Main has supported a new motion to help protect neighbourhood pubs.

The new clause introduced by the Government to the Neighbourhood Planning Bill removes permitted development rights, which will ensure that pubs cannot be converted into any other use or demolished without an application for full planning permission being made.

“I think this is a wonderful solution that will protect areas like mine,” Anne said in a Commons debate on Tuesday.

“St Albans is an historic pilgrimage city; we have pubs just about on every corner. Anything that can make our pubs more viable, which give a sounder footing for the future, I would welcome enormously.

“Pubs are so much more than a particular place to buy a beer. People come to my constituency and say that they can’t get over what a marvellous impression the pubs give.”

The clause also introduces a new mixed A3/A4 use class, which allows pubs to expand their food offering without requiring planning permission.

Anne mentioned a number of pubs in her constituency such as The Boot, The Fighting Cock, and The White Heart, which would benefit from the new clause.