The recently talked about change of use legislation is now confirmed by planning minister Nick Boles as coming into force on 30th May.
Mainly the introduction of permitted development rights for change of use from B1(a) offices to C3 residential purposes, meaning that a full application for the change of use will not be required (although applications will still be needed for material changes to buildings but these will be viewed in light of the use being permitted, making life much easier).
11 London Boroughs have been allowed to opt out. These are:
- City of London
- Camden
- Islington
- Hackney
- Tower Hamlets
- Southwark
- Lambeth
- Wandsworth
- Westminster
- Newham
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
It's worth noting that 30 of the 33 London Boroughs applied for an exemption for some or all of their areas, so it's clear that the Government are keen to make sure this legislation actually does encourage significant development. Change of use is not out of the question in the 11 boroughs above, and it will still be suitable for certain properties outside of core commercial areas.
If you have commercial buildings in the other London Boroughs (or other parts of the country except for Vale of the White Horse in Oxfordshire, Stevenage, Ashford and Sevenoaks, East Hampshire, and Manchester who have also been allowed to opt out) then there has, and probably never will, be a better time to get a residential consent in the bag.
Also announced was an increase in the threshold for permitted development rights for change of use from B1 business or B2 general industry to B8 storage and distribution, and from B2 or B8 to B1, from 235 square metres to 500 square metres.
Relaxed permitted development rights allowing larger extensions to homes, offices and shops are also included in secondary legislation.
For further information, please contact John Fosbraey.
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