June 27, 2011
Taking forward The Plan for Growth, the Government is now asking for views on whether there should be more scope for changes of use to go ahead, without the need for planning permission. In addition to the current consultation on freeing up changing from business to residential use, this confirms that the Government wants to use planning to create economic growth - introducing as many time and cost-saving measures into the system as possible as well.
Maggie Baddeley, senior associate director at NLP, endorses this as a timely review of the Use Classes Order and permitted development rights, adding that
NLP clients want to see a planning system that is up to date - one that is able to provide development that can respond quickly to the changing ways we all work, shop and live. Finding a more flexible way of looking at how buildings are used is certainly a step in the right direction.
NLP Contact: Maggie Baddeley: mbaddeley@nlpplanning.com / 020 7837 4477