Part of the new plans announced on 24th July 2023, the Government have unveiled new measures designed to be a rebirth for the property market within the residential sector. Michael Gove recently announced the new measures, the extension of Permitted Development Rights appears to relax the procedure in converting business premises to homes without applying for planning permission.
The Housing Secretary announced the government’s long-term strategy for the expansion of Permitted Development Rights to allow shops, offices, warehouses, and agricultural buildings to be converted into homes without planning permission. This follows a previous extension of Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) in May 2013 that allowed for office premises to be converted into homes. This gave landowners more rights to carry out works and change the use of their property without needing to apply for planning permission.
The suggested proposals for the amendment of existing PDRs, for both rural housing and farm diversification, will contribute to easing these issues. This is an advantage, as it allows landowners and farmers seeking to diversify and expand their enterprises whilst easing the planning barriers. The new flexibilities will be introduced to also allow shops, takeaways, and betting shops to be turned into residential spaces.
The update is especially beneficial when considering large modern changes: The of advancement of technology, online shopping and how consumer habits have radically changed due to this. Too many high streets shops and buildings are vacant and negatively impacting the character of the local areas. The proposed change will factor in these views, providing an increase in homes throughout the country by utilising this change in legislation that champions efficiency.
Advantages:
• The Government will meet its manifesto commitment to build 1 million homes.
• A step in the right direction for England Housing shortage.
• Empty business premises, especially in the high streets, will be put to good use with the ability to change to residential.
• Farmers and Landowners converting their business enterprises to homes made easier.
Disadvantages:
• The quality of building for commercial use are unlikely to meet the standards for residential properties.
• High streets with shops and business will be impacted due to increase in residents, which could deter certain sectors.
• The Lack of planning permission may leave inadequacies in building structures and whether they are fit for purpose for residential homes.
There will no doubt be further developments following the statements made in July this year. The update is an interesting development in housing market, as well as within the commercial sector, how many landlords will take advantage of this.
Within his speech, The Housing Secretary also stated the government will launch a £24 million planning skills fund, allowing councils in England to apply for grants to tackle the planning backlog. The Planning Skills Delivery Fund will be available over a two-year period to assist local planning authorities to implement proposed planning reform.
