Blog: 22 September 2023 - Jessica Booz, VWV

Permitted development rights: the current consultation
As part of the Government's manifesto commitment to build one million new homes in England by December 2024 plans were revealed in July 2023 for "regeneration, inner-city densification and housing delivery across England".

In addition to specific regeneration plans, new allocations of existing funding and a new Planning Skills Delivery Fund of £24 million to help up-skill those dealing with planning applications (the closing date for applications for a share is 11 September) the announcement launched a consultation on further changes to Permitted Development Rights (PDR) allowing certain types of buildings to be converted to residential use without the need for a full planning application.

The consultation makes clear the importance of permitted development rights in delivering new houses - stating that between March 2015 and March 2022, over 94,000 new homes (6% of overall housing supply delivered in that period) were delivered under permitted development rights.

The consultation closes on 25 September 2023, so we have explored a couple of the points raised:

Applying permitted development rights to a wider category of properties:

Opinions are invited on extending PDR to cover converting hotels, boarding houses and guest houses to residential use, particularly on appropriate safeguards for local tourism.

Another change being proposed is to increase or remove the floorspace limits on developments allowed under PDR, currently up to 1,500 square metres of Commercial, Business and Service property and up to 150 square metres of hot food takeaways, betting offices, pay day loan shops, launderettes, amusement arcades and casinos can be changed to residential.

The proposals are to either double the floorspace allowances or to remove the floorspace requirements altogether.

Local design codes
Opinions are invited in the consultation on whether a development complying with a local design code could replace the requirement for prior approval of design or external appearance when certain PDR are exercised.

Those in favour of this approach say that it could improve certainty for developers, influence for Local Authorities and confidence for local communities. However, concerns have been raised, including by the Local Government Association citing concerns around allowing sub-standard houses.

Conclusion
There are many competing considerations when it comes to delivery of housing with concerns often very localised. The consultation provides an opportunity to voice your own area's considerations and hopefully contribute to a policy which finds the right balance between progress and preservation of character of an area, both of which communities value highly.

If you would like to discuss this or any other aspect of your Local Authority's property portfolio and planning, please contact Jessica Booz, partner at VWV on jbooz@vwv.co.uk