Build, build, build

Posted on 27th July 2020

At the end of June, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced the most radical reforms to the UK’s planning system since the 1940s, making it easier to build better homes where people choose to live.

The new regulations will give greater freedom for buildings and land within town centres to change use without planning permission and create new homes from the regeneration of vacant and redundant buildings. It is worth noting that you will still need to obtain Building Regulation approval.

Under the new rules, existing commercial properties, including newly vacant shops, can be converted into residential housing more easily, in a move to kick start the construction industry and speed up rebuilding.

The changes include:

  • More types of commercial premises having total flexibility to be repurposed through reform of the Use Classes Order. A building used for retail, for instance, would be able to be permanently used as a café or office without requiring a planning application and local authority approval. It is worth noting that pubs, libraries, village shops and other types of uses essential to the lifeblood of communities will not be covered by these flexibilities.
  • A wider range of commercial buildings will be allowed to change to residential use without the need for a planning application.
  • Builders will no longer need a normal planning application to demolish and rebuild vacant and redundant residential and commercial buildings if they are rebuilt as homes.
  • Property owners will be able to build additional space above their properties via a fast track approval process, subject to neighbour consultation.

These last two points are particularly helpful for those looking for rebuild their property or for those looking to extend upon their property. Developers will still need to adhere to high standards and regulations, just without the unnecessary red tape.

These changes are planned to come into effect by September.

Something else to look forward to later this year is the government is planning for a comprehensive reform of England’s seventy year old planning system, to introduce a new approach that works better for our modern economy and society.