More permitted development for building conversion to residential

The Government consulted in July 2023 on relaxing Permitted Development Rights (PDR) restrictions for conversion in Class MA of commercial, business and service uses to residential. There is a House of Commons briefing paper on PDR and Change of Use. The Government’s further consultation on more PDR is here and runs until 9^th April 2024. It is proposed to remove size limits on buildings to be converted and no longer to consider how long they have been empty. The consultation covers also increased flexibility for householders to alter or extend their homes, more consideration of building upwards, changes to the rules for demolition of certain buildings and their rebuild plus new rules for electric charging points and installation of air source heat pumps.

Fees paid by a developer to local authorities when applying to use the PD right for building conversion may not cover the cost of processing their application. The developer will not be required to make any contribution to affordable housing or social infrastructure necessary for the additional residents.

The proposed PDR would make housing the default use of large stores and other big buildings which would inhibit Councils’ aims for diverse offerings in town centres.  Achieving light to habitable rooms in large converted premises could be difficult and any structural changes would require a full planning application.

See a London Forum tweet on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) pointing to a critical article in the Financial Times warning of a surge of poor quality homes.

The Labour Party pledged almost five years ago to end office conversion free-for-all, as in the article here.

Civic, community and amenity organisations should consider the implications of these PDR changes and respond to the consultation.