Permitted Development Rights extension to light industrial
From 1 October 2017 a new three year Permitted Development Right ("PDR") came into force.
From 1 October 2017 a new three year Permitted Development Right ("PDR") came into force.
The PDR will allow changes of use from "Shed to Bed" (as coined by the legal press), or more accurately, from Class B1(c) (light industrial) to Class C (residential) provided that prior approval has been granted before 1 October 2020. The development must then be completed within 3 years of the prior approval date. In addition, a further amendment under Class M Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the General Permitted Development Order 2016 allows the change of use from launderettes to residential, subject to prior approval.
The aim of the PDR is, of course, to boost the supply of homes crucially needed throughout the UK. However, one would be right to question the real effect, if any, of the new PDR and whether the features and location of light industrial land genuinely lend themselves to residential use. Stringent limitations imposed on the PDR will undoubtedly affect its uptake but if you can overcome the hurdles, the PDR may be of benefit to you. The most significant barriers to the PDR are as follows:
An attempt to simplify the planning regime may be welcomed by small and medium sized developers who could gain from standalone light industrial buildings scattered throughout residential areas. Additionally, the PDR not only enables conversion that would have previously required full planning permission but also prevents affordable housing requirements from being imposed. Despite this, it will be interesting to see if the PDR can make any significant dent in the housing crisis when so many obstacles exist.
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