Legal News
Housing Minister announces lifting of planning restrictions on offices for redevelopment as homes (15 October 2015)
Date: 15/10/2015
Housing Minister Brandon Lewis has announced new measures that will make it easier to turn underused office buildings into new homes.
The move will provide thousands of new homes and will make the best use of existing buildings – including some that are underused and neglected – while at the same time protecting the green belt.
After the plans were announced on Tuesday (13/10/15), Mr Lewis said:
“We’re determined that – both in Whitehall and in town halls – everything is done to get the homes we need built.
“Today’s measures will mean we can tap into the potential of underused buildings, to offer new homes for first-time buyers and families long into the future – breathing new life into neighbourhoods and at the same time protecting our precious green belt.”
Temporary permitted development rights were first introduced in 2013 and have enabled offices to be converted to new homes without developers having to apply for planning permission.
Between April 2014 and June 2015, nearly 4,000 conversions were given the go-ahead.
However, these rights are set to expire on 30 May 2016 – potentially introducing a raft of red tape and bureaucracy that would hamper the conversion of underused office buildings and slow down the delivery of thousands of new homes.
Mr Lewis said that these permitted development rights would now be made permanent.
In addition, those who already have permission will have three years in which to complete the change of use – ending potential uncertainty for developers and enabling the development of new homes.
To further support the delivery of new homes, the rights will in future allow the demolition of office buildings and new buildings for residential use.
New permitted development rights will also enable the change of use to turn light industrial buildings and launderettes into new homes.
Certain areas are currently exempt from the office-to-residential permitted development rights, but they will have until May 2019 to make an Article 4 direction if they wish to continue determining planning applications for the change of use.
In 17 local authorities in England, roads or zones with individual buildings that are currently exempt from the rights include The City of London and The London Central Activities Zone – which covers parts of the boroughs of Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lambeth, Wandsworth, Westminster, Newham, Kensington and Chelsea.
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