Government Expands Permitted Development Rights

At the end of March, the Government approved an extension to permitted development rights (PDR). This change means that commercial premises—including offices, shops, and hospitality venues—can now be converted into homes without planning permission. While the intention is to boost housing supply, concerns are growing about the long-term impact on town and city centres.

Industry Experts Voice Their Concerns

Not everyone is happy about the new policy. A joint letter from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has been sent to the Government, expressing serious concerns. Their key argument? Not enough thought has been given to the consequences of replacing business premises with residential developments, potentially altering the fabric of local communities and economies.

Government Committee Investigates the Impact

The Housing, Communities, and Local Government Committee—tasked with overseeing Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) policies—is now conducting an inquiry into permitted development rights. The committee aims to explore how these new rules affect housing quality, infrastructure, and local planning authorities. To gather insights, they have issued a Call for Evidence, seeking input from stakeholders and the public.

Key Questions Being Considered

As part of the inquiry, the committee is asking the following questions:

• What role should permitted development rights (PDR) play in the planning system?
• How does PDR impact the quality and quantity of new housing, including affordable and social housing?
• What effect does PDR have on local planning authorities, developer contributions, and infrastructure provision?
• Does PDR affect the ability of local authorities to plan and shape their communities?
• Is the government correct in arguing that PDR supports business and economic growth?
• How does PDR impact local community involvement in planning decisions?
• Should PDR be reformed—and if so, how?

Balancing Housing Supply with Community Needs

Supporters of the policy argue that PDR helps create much-needed housing by streamlining the planning process. The Government insists that this will revitalise underused spaces, particularly in urban areas. However, critics warn that poor-quality housing could result, along with a decline in commercial spaces, which are essential for local economies. There are also fears that local councils will lose control over the character and infrastructure of their communities.

Have Your Say Before the Deadline

The inquiry remains open for submissions until Friday, 30 April 2021. If you have strong views on the future of permitted development rights, now is the time to make your voice heard. Click [here] to read the Call for Evidence in full and submit your comments.