New permitted development rights

Introduction of new permitted development rights for changes of use from 6th April 2014

The government is introducing new legislation from 6 April 2014 which will further extend permitted development rights for changes of use. The aim of these reforms is to encourage the re-use of empty and under-used buildings and further support brownfield regeneration while ensuring regard to potential flood risk.

The new legislation permits the following changes of use:

  • Shops to change a “Deposit-taker” (Banks, Building Societies, Credit Unions and Friendly Societies). This new provision does not cover betting shops or payday loan shops.
  • Shops and financial and professional services up to 150 Square metres to be converted to homes. It also includes provision for any building work reasonably necessary to convert the building.
  • Existing agricultural buildings under 500 square metres to change to schools and registered nurseries. It also includes provision for any building work reasonably necessary to convert the building.
  • Agricultural buildings up to 450 square metres to change to up to 3 dwellings. It also includes provision for any building work reasonably necessary to convert the building.

All of these changes will be subject to restrictions and conditions and require a notification process to the Council.

Existing legislation is also been extended to enable the change of use of businesses, hotels, residential institutions and Assembly & Leisure to a registered nursery. This change will again be subject to restrictions and conditions and require a notification process to the Council Registered nurseries will also be able to build higher fences & walls and benefit from the same permitted development rights as schools.

There will also be some amendments to the legislation for changes of use introduced in May 2013.

The new prior notification applications to the Council will be subject to an £80 fee.