The Society has been concerned at the loophole in planning regulations that provided no minimum standards for dwellings created by conversion of commercial buildings via Permitted Development Rights. Permitted Development Rights have delivered 60,000 homes over the last 4 years.
A recent study commissioned by MHCLG showed that some developers have been delivering small homes without justification.
Finally, the Ministry of Housing and Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has moved to correct this situation. The housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced (30 September 2020) that all new homes in England delivered through Permitted Development Rights will in the future have to meet the Nationally Described Space Standard.
The space standard begins at 37m² of floorspace for a new one bed flat with a shower room (39m² with a bathroom), ensuring proper living space for a single occupier.
The Society believes this minimum space standard is low and should be reviewed.
The Planning for the Future White Paper which is being consulted on at present has little reference to Permitted Development Rights. The MHCLG statement says that the government is now consulting on homes delivered through Permitted Development Rights being covered by the new local design codes.
No date for the implementation of this change has been annouced.
1-10-2020
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Pressures for development are increasing. Planning rules are being eased. The Society’s commitment to standing up for Guildford is needed more than ever.
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