The government has announced a new permitted development right which allows the change of use from the commercial , business and service use ( Class E ) to residential use ( Class C3 ).
This covers offices , shops , financial and professional services , cafes and restaurants , health services , nurseries , and certain leisure facilities .
The changes are intended to support housing delivery , economic recovery and high street regeneration and do not require a full planning application to the local planning authority ( LPA ).
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Key requirements to apply for prior approval on or after 1st August 2021 are :
• The building must have been in Class E use for two years before benefitting from the right or relevant predecessor Use Classes ;
• A building must have been vacant for three continuous months before the date of application ;
• No more than 1,500 sq m of floorspace ;
and
• It must meet nationally described space standards .
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The right will apply over the vast majority of England and in conservation areas , but there are exceptions for protected landscapes , or where it is a listed building .
The LPA can consider the impact of the loss of ground floor commercial , business and service use on the character and sustainability of conservation areas .
They may also consider the potential impact of the loss of health centres and registered nurseries on the provision of such local services .
If the site is occupied under an agricultural tenancy the express consent of both the landlord and the tenant must be obtained .
Other factors are flooding ; transport impacts ; contamination ; noise ; adequate
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natural light ; and the impact on intended occupiers of the development of the introduction of residential use in an area the authority considers to be important for industrial , storage or waste uses .
The proposed application fee is only £ 100 per home but other permissions may be required for additional works to augment a residential conversion .
If you are interested in exploring the potential benefits of the new Class MA permitted development right , or require advice on its implications and opportunities , please contact Matt Gilks or another member of Thrings ’ Planning and Development team .
For more info : www . thrings . com
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