The permitted development right for Change of Use from “Office” to “Residential” is set to become permanent.
Currently, the practice has been that this is a temporary right which initially started in May 2013 and is due to come to an end in May 2016.
The new permanent permitted development right has been announced ahead of publication of a new bill relating to the matter and will come as good news to developers, bridging financiers as well as new and existing home owners. It also offers certainty to existing property portfolio owners and developers who have created businesses which specialise in such conversions over the last few years.
There is also a suggestion that there will be further new permitted development rights which may enable the change of use of light industrial buildings and launderettes to residential use as well, but this is subject to prior approval and further details are awaited on this.
You should also note that there are certain commercial and geographical areas which are exempt and will continue to be exempt.
For further information on this area please contact James Goff - JGoff@jpclaw.co.uk
