Brandon Lewis has announced that the permitted development (PD) rights for office-to-resi conversions, which was due to finish at the end of May 2016 will be made permanent. On top of this, the planning and housing minister will also allow office buildings to be demolished and replaced with residential developments. There will be some limitations on this and you will be required to seek approval from the local planning authority.
Additionally, light industrial building and laundrettes will also be permitted for change of use under the new rights. Further details are due to be provided.
Exemptions
Areas exempt from the office-to-resi PD will have to make an Article 4 direction by May 2019 if they want to carry on trying to obtain planning permission for change of use.
Do you already have permission to convert office-to-resi?
You will be given 3 years to complete the works if you have permission under the current temporary PD right.
Why has this decision been made?
Brandon said that everything needs to be done in order to get the homes we need built, allowing us to make the most of unused buildings in order to provide homes for first time buyers and families whilst at the same time protecting our green belt.
For further information or to see the areas of exemption, go to this link