The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 20: Summer 2021 | Page 34

LEGAL

THE CONTROVERSIAL NEW RESIDENTIAL PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS EXPLAINED

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has revealed that a new residential permitted development for England will come into effect this Autumn. Matt Gilks, Senior Associate at Thrings Solicitors in the Planning and Environment team( pictured right), reviews the new rules and explains how a wide range of parties, from shop floors to front doors, will be impacted.
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).
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.
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
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

New personal injury law firm puts clients first

For more info: www. ftchronicpain. co. uk
Two great friends, Paul Turner and Anne Felmingham( pictured left) who between them have amassed over 30 years of experience as personal injury litigators, have taken a leap of faith and set up their own South West-based law firm, FT Chronic Pain Solicitors.
The firm focuses entirely on chronic pain work, so, people who have developed a chronic pain condition as a consequence of an injury which was not their fault can feel confident that they are in the right hands. Anne and Paul put aside strategic ambitions to devote time and dedication to their clients.
Many law firms do not have the expertise to conduct these claims and claimants are left under-compensated and bewildered by the lack of support needed to navigate such a complex area of law.
Each case at FT Chronic Pain has the benefit of two partners attention along with a team of nationally leading barristers and medical experts.
Paul and Anne say that many clients transfer from other law firms because of their in-depth understanding of chronic pain.
Anne said,“ In my time as a personal injury lawyer I have seen many people at their lowest and it has been my absolute privilege to help those people through the dark times in order to help them realise their potential and to enable them to get their lives on track.”
Paul added,“ I am passionate about client care and will ensure that you understand every stage of the claims process. I am always here for my clients, whose conditions are often lifelong and they don’ t stop suffering at 5pm when traditional offices shut. You are my absolute priority, I’ ll ensure you are at all times fully aware of what is going on and will make myself available to you out of hours to answer texts and provide support. I love what I do and this shines through in the results I achieve for my clients.”
If you have developed chronic pain as a result of an accident and are looking for a team to help you, call FT Chronic Pain on 0800 999 1078 or email them at: info @ ftchronicpain. co. uk
18 www. tbebathandsomerset. co. uk