In Spring 2011, the Coalition Government consulted on proposed changes to permitted development rights to free up changes of use from commercial to residential from the requirement for planning permission. Separately, the Government has confirmed, through its draft National Planning Policy Framework, that such proposals should be considered more favourably and with greater flexibility.
Prepared by a team of development professionals, including NLP, this report offers practical advice on the implications and opportunities created by this shift in planning approach. It advises on realising the conversion potential of redundant or outdated commercial buildings for housing; from finding the right property, to understanding structural and design challenges, to identifying and negotiating potential planning pitfalls, to creating enduring residential properties.
The consortium was led by Child Graddon Lewis architects and, alongside NLP, included Gifford engineers, and Robinson Low Francis cost consultants.