April 11, 2011
A new DCLG consultation sets out details of proposed changes to permitted development (PD) rights announced in the Budget's Plan for Growth. To encourage economic growth, the Government proposes that new PD rights would be created for changing the use of any B1 land or building (i.e. used for offices, R & D, and/or light industry) to residential (Use Class C3). The land or buildings in B1 use could be occupied or vacant; planning permission would not be required for their conversion but would be necessary for external works constituting development. The proposals might be extended to cover B2 (general industry) and B8 (storage).
Matthew Spry, Director at NLP, said:
These proposals could help tackle the need for more housing, but will also introduce new uncertainty on the adequacy of LPA plans for employment land supply at a time when planning for economic growth is of paramount importance.
NLP Contact: Matthew Spry 020 7837 4477 / mspry@nlpplanning.com