Local authority leaders have urged the Government not to further expand permitted development rights due to the risk of creating ‘poor quality residential environments.
Housing and Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove is set to announce a further relaxation of planning regulations in an effort to boost the delivery of homes in cities.
This will include a review into the extension of permitted development rights, which allow developers to convert empty properties into flats and houses without applying for planning permission.
‘Most people agree that we need to build more homes – the question is how we go about it,’ Mr Gove said.
‘Rather than concreting over the countryside, we have set out a plan today to build the right homes in the right places where there is community support – and we’re putting the resources behind it to help make this vision a reality.’
Cllr Shaun Davies, chair of the Local Government Association (LGA), criticised the decision to extend permitted development rights.
‘There is no doubt that we need more homes as well as to reinvigorate our high streets and town centres. However, premises such as offices, barns, and shops are not always suitable for housing,’ he said.
‘Further expanding permitted development rights risks creating poor quality residential environments that negatively impact people’s health and wellbeing, as well as a lack of affordable housing or suitable infrastructure.’
