02 August 2021

Planning reforms 80% of shops on high streets could be lost

Planning reforms 80% of shops on high streets could be lost image

New research has warned 80% of shops and other commercial premises on high streets across England could be lost under the expansion of permitted development rights.

The report, published by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) and University College London (UCL), warns the changes to planning law could have a 'devastating impact' on high streets and town centres.

Examining four case study areas – Barnet, Crawley, Huntingdonshire, and Leicester – the research found 80.3% of shops and other commercial buildings could be lost to residential conversion.

It warned that changes means councils have very little say over what happens to their high streets and whether new housing meets people’s needs.

Fiona Howie, the TCPA’s chief executive, said: 'We recognise the need for more homes and the desire to regenerate high streets. But we need new homes to be high quality and for town centres to be able to provide a mixture of services and amenity space.

'This latest expansion of PDRs further reduces the ability of local authorities and communities to shape their local areas. This is not the right approach if government really wants to ‘build back better’ and to revitalise our high streets.'

Photo: trabantos / Shutterstock.com

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highways Technical Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly, welcoming Highways teams, who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Technical Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly, welcoming Highways teams, who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Registered Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum
Are you an inspiring leader ready for your next challenge? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Projects Manager

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Starting Salary from £48,873 based on Skills Kn
Job Title Contracts & Projects... Richmond & Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Contracts and Projects Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Starting Salary from £40,737 based on Skills Kn
Job Title Contracts & Projects... Richmond & Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner