More planning controls needed before shops and offices can be converted into homes in the UK

The Construction Industry Council says turning shops and offices into homes without any planning controls is a recipe for disaster.

Government proposals to extend so-called permitted development rights, which will allow more premises to bypass normal planning procedures and be turned into homes, need greater safeguards, the council says.

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) represents most of the industry’s professional bodies, societies and research organisations. (The Institution of Civil Engineers is the only major organisation that chooses not to take part.) The CIC has set out its concerns in its response to the Ministry of the Housing’s consultation, Supporting housing delivery and public service infrastructure.

CIC said the proposals could alienate communities by allowing inappropriate development to be foisted on them, while not making any contribution to local infrastructure. The CIC also expressed concerns over quality and safety standards and the longer term impact on areas by providing easier routes to deliver new homes without proper regard for placemaking and amenity space.

Read more at The Construction Index