Pubs, cafes, restaurants, and other businesses that want to set up outdoor seating arrangements will no longer have to get planning permission.

Swindon Borough Council says it wants to make things easier for hospitality businesses as they reopen after lockdown, and need more space to allow for social distancing.

New rules allow an application for a pavement seating area to be approved in five days.

A temporary licence will be valid for a year, but firms must make sure they don’t block the pavement or fire escapes.

The council’s cabinet member for highways, maintenance and waste services Maureen Penny said: “This relaxation of the rules will allow businesses to implement social distancing guidelines more easily and help them to welcome more customers to enjoy their services.

“Applications from hospitality businesses in Swindon who feel these changes in restrictions will help them to run their business safely will be welcomed and we hope to help as many of them as possible.”

Hospitality businesses can submit their applications or ask questions by emailing streetworks@swindon.gov.uk.