With the introduction of the new planning rules from the government, we’re hopeful it will mean greater opportunities for local housebuilders. It certainly paves the way for smaller businesses to be innovative and create new homes in high streets and town centres across the country. We explain why…
New planning rules
The new planning rules from the government mean that even more commercial buildings will be allowed to be converted into homes from August this year. It all follows a consultation which ended in January, whereby the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has drawn up a new permitted development right for change of use from commercial, business and service use class to residential. Any planned converted homes would need to only go through a ‘prior approval’ process rather than a full planning application. This would make conversions quicker, easier, and more appealing to local housing developers looking for new projects.
Permitted development right
While there will not be a need for a full planning application, there will still be conditions and limitations to be considered. This will come via the ‘prior approval’ process which will include considerations to any impact on flooding, and health care provision. Developers will also need to provide adequate light in buildings and meet the necessary space standards.
Under the right, which will come into effect from 1st August 2021, developers will need to be aware of the following criteria.
- Any buildings to be converted into homes cannot be larger than 1,500 square metres.
- The buildings must have been vacant for at least three continuous months.
- The buildings must have been in either commercial, business, or service use for at least two years.
Supporting local business
It’s clear our towns and high streets need a solution to make good use of buildings which are stood empty. It’s unlikely that following the pandemic, which has exacerbated the issue, we will not see a resurgence of the high street as we once knew it. The conversion of commercial premises to new homes is a new way to support our local high streets. It encourages more people to come and live closer to the town they love and be on the doorstep for work and leisure. It will help our high streets to thrive once again, albeit in a different way.
The new rules will bring about the much needed removal of unsightly, unused buildings to those which are more visually pleasant. They will also open the door to small construction and housebuilders, bringing them more opportunities for new projects and growth. All this will help local employment and of course will help the high street bounce back from the effects of the pandemic.
Here at New Homes Place, we connect housing developers large and small with a receptive, engaged, ready to buy audience. By listing your new homes or new developments with us, it’s easier to reach a targeted group of potential buyers. Find out more, get in touch – newhomes@newhomes.place.
