In his last blog Paul Deriaz, Chartered Surveyor and Chartered Town Planner, spoke about kick starting the conversion of office buildings to residential properties, with specific reference to Brandon Lewis’ consultation document.  This time he comments on the permanent development change that comes into effect next summer.

Office to Residential permitted development rights to be made permanent

The government has announced that a new permanent development right, for change of use from offices to residential, will apply from May 2016. This will help developers currently converting properties who had uncertainty if the conversions did not occur by 31 May 2016.

It will also help developers plan new projects to contribute to the Government’s drive to deliver one million homes by 2020, however, Local Planning Authorities are likely to feel  frustrated that they will not be able to control the size and quality of the residential units.

If you want to find out more about this issue click below for previous comments on the subject:

Kick Starting the Conversion: Office to Residential

Have You Completed Your Viability Assesment: Office to Residential

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