Tag Archives: Offices

New measures to breathe life into empty buildings and boost growth

The Government has recently announced new measures to ensure that use is made of empty and underused buildings to provide homes and businesses New permitted development rights will enable offices to be converted to homes. High street premises will be able to be used for new types of business without permission.  Buildings that are classed for use as retail, financial services, restaurants, pubs and hot food takeaways, offices, leisure and assembly uses can temporarily change to another use class. Existing agricultural buildings, less than 500m2, will be able to be utilised for a range of new uses such as shops or offices, to provide more chances for rural businesses to diversify. Also a series of measures will also facilitate the … Continue reading

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New Rights – Office to Home Conversions without Need for Planning

On 24th January 2013 Communities Secretary Eric Pickles announced new planning measures in a letter to chief planners. The proposed legislation will be issued to come into force in Spring 2013. The new permitted development rights allow change of use from B1(a) office to C3 residential.  The new permitted development rights will allow office space to be converted into new homes without the need for planning permission from the local authority. The permitted development right will be in place for 3 years, and because local circumstances vary, local authorities will have an opportunity to seek an exemption if they can demonstrate there would be substantial adverse economic consequences. Buildings no longer suitable or needed for agricultural use could be transferred … Continue reading

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