Industry calls on Jenrick to halt PD expansion
A group of industry bodies, planners and retail groups have written to housing secretary Robert Jenrick to fight proposals to expand permitted development allowing the conversion of almost any commercial premises to residential use.
The British Property Federation, Town & Country Planning Association, RIBA and RICS have all signed a letter calling for a halt to the proposals.
Some 27 signatories have raised fears that residential conversions will damage high streets.
A group of industry bodies, planners and retail groups have written to housing secretary Robert Jenrick to fight proposals to expand permitted development allowing the conversion of almost any commercial premises to residential use.
The British Property Federation, Town & Country Planning Association, RIBA and RICS have all signed a letter calling for a halt to the proposals.
Some 27 signatories have raised fears that residential conversions will damage high streets.
The letter says: “Putting ground-floor housing in a random and uncontrolled manner within high streets does not draw footfall, does not support new businesses, reduces the potential for business growth and will undermine the viability of existing retail, cultural and commercial activities on the high street and remove convenience from local neighbourhoods.
“They will create a vicious circle whereby the reduced viability of the remaining commercial uses in turn threatens their existence and incentivises their conversion to residential.”
The group said local centres are at most at risk and the change will lead to the loss of local shops and services when they are most needed. It also hurts small businesses and high street diversity, they add.
A rise of PD in place of planning would also cost local authorities in developer contributions towards infrastructure at a time when they are under pressure, the letter adds.
“We are concerned that the extensive use of permitted development rights in the manner proposed without democratic oversight will lead to a further erosion of public trust and confidence in the planning system,” it says.
“We therefore ask you to consider re-evaluating this policy. Instead, we believe more support should be given to local authorities to develop their own renewal plans, under clear direction in national policy. There is certainly the will and enthusiasm at a local level. What is often lacking is resource.”
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