New Permitted Development Legislation Changes

Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, announced details of the Government’s permitted development legislation changes to help support the UK housing market and the high street. Development Finance expert, Paul Keddy, explains the changes.

What are the new permitted development Rules?
Under the new regulations, you can redevelop unused commercial property in England into residential housing. The premises must:

• have been vacant for a minimum of three months
• be up to a maximum of 1,500 meters squared
• have been in commercial business and service use for at least two years prior to being vacant

The permitted development rights previously applied predominantly to office blocks but will now include most types of vacant commercial property. This will give developers much more choice and freedom when it comes to creating new homes.

Why are the Government changing the planning regulations?
There are two aims to these changes. The first is to boost the amount of available residential housing and help meet the Government’s target of building 300,000 new homes per year. The second is to transform our town centres and high streets and help businesses recover from the devastating financial impact of the pandemic. Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, said: “by diversifying our town and city centres and encouraging the conversion of unused shops into cafes, restaurants and even new homes, we can help the high street to adapt and thrive for the future.”

What’s the difference between planning permission and permitted development?
Permitted development is a much simpler process of prior approval. The local authority involved doesn’t have to consider as many elements as a full planning application, meaning that the process should be much quicker for developers. The plans will be subject to high standards to ensure all new homes meet space requirements and have adequate levels of natural light.

While the new regulations will be in effect from 21st April 2021, you cannot submit applications for prior approval until 1st August 2021.

If you need finance for a development project of your own, please do get in touch with me, Paul Keddy, on 01732 471655 or email me paulk@mortgagesforbusiness.co.uk, and I’ll be more than happy to help.

For more information about the changes, please visit the Gov.uk news page, here.

21st April 2021