Changes to Permitted Development Rights

Last month it was announced a number of proposed changes will be made to Britain’s seven- decade old planning system.

This included a relaxation of planning rules to make it easier for land and buildings to be converted quickly, with developers granted the ability to change vacant shops to homes, and builders able to demolish vacant shops and build homes in their place, without planning permission.

New regulations allow for buildings and land in town centres to change the use without requesting planning consent, while new homes will be able to be created from empty buildings.

As an example, struggling high street stores that due to the coronavirus crisis have been forced to close their doors could be transformed without needed permission from the authorities. These changes are set to come into effect by September and include the following:

• More types of commercial premises having total flexibility to be repurposed through reform of the Use Classes Order. A building used for retail, for instance, would be able to be permanently used as a café or office without requiring a planning application and local authority approval. Pubs, libraries, village shops and other types of uses essential to the lifeblood of communities will not be covered by these flexibilities.
• A wider range of commercial buildings will be allowed to change to residential use without the need for a planning application.
• Builders will no longer need a normal planning application to demolish and rebuild vacant and redundant residential and commercial buildings if they are rebuilt as homes.
• Property owners will be able to build additional space above their properties via a fast track approval process, subject to neighbour consultation.

More freedom for self-build housing means that those wanting to take on an even more challenging home build project, will have more freedom to do so. The latest mention in the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government’s Planning for the Future statement, ‘we will support those who want to build their own homes to find plots of land and provide help to parish councils and neighbourhood forums who wish to build a small number of homes to allow their communities to grow organically, providing homes for the next generation and those wishing to downsize.’ 

If you are thinking about extended or making any improvements to your home, Kingston Projects have the knowledge and expertise to help you through the process. Get in touch today to discuss your building and renovations needs.