Permitted Development Rights

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 23 Mar 2021 Closed: 23 May 2023 Parliament page
The aim of this short inquiry is to examine the Government’s recent and proposed changes to permitted development rights in respect of large-scale development, commercial-to-residential conversions and changes of use between different types of commercial and retail premises. In particular, the inquiry will explore their role in supporting economic growth … Read more
7 Recommendations
7 Conclusions
1 Report
3 Oral sessions
4 Letters
3 Events
Activity timeline 9 events
27 Jun
2023
Correspondence
23 May
2023
Report published
28 Feb
2023
Correspondence
26 Apr
2022
Correspondence
22 Jul
2021
Report published
6 Jul
2021
Correspondence
16 Jun
2021
Oral evidence
7 Jun
2021
Oral evidence
17 May
2021
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
16 Jun 2021
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Oral evidence
Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Simon Gallagher · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
7 Jun 2021
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Oral evidence
Ben Southwood · Policy Exchange Dr Ben Clifford · Bartlett School of Planning, University College London John Myers · YIMBY Alliance Matthew Davis · Institute of Place Management Ojay McDonald · Association of Town and City Management Sarah Bevan · London First
17 May 2021
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Oral evidence
Cllr Rachel Blake · Local Government Association Ian Fletcher · British Property Federation James Wickham · London Property Alliance John Bibby · Shelter Mark Tufnell · Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Mark Worringham · Reading Council
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Third Report - Permitted Development Rights HC 32 22 Jul 2021 14 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
4 results
Clear
3 Recommendation Rejected
Third Report - Permitted Developme…
We recommend the Government pause any further extensions of permitted development rights for change of...
We recommend the Government pause any further extensions of permitted development rights for change of use to residential, including the new class MA right, which is due to take effect on 1 August, and conduct a review of their role … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to pause and review permitted development rights, asserting their continued importance as a delivery tool for housing and other sectors, reducing bureaucratic burdens. It reiterates its commitment to PDRs, including future extensions, and mentions the upcoming requirement for local design codes through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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6 Conclusion Rejected
Third Report - Permitted Developme…
Local councils should be able to protect certain areas from permitted developments rights where they...
Local councils should be able to protect certain areas from permitted developments rights where they have legitimate concerns about the impact on town centres, high streets and commercial centres. We welcome the amendment to the proposed changes to the National … Read more
Government Response
The government defends its current policy on Article 4 directions, stating the higher threshold for their application relating to residential change of use supports high street regeneration. It explains that compensation liability for withdrawn permitted development rights is set by primary legislation, and the 12-month notice period is a common practice to mitigate this, thus rejecting the call for councils not to incur compensation or wait.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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9 Conclusion Rejected
Third Report - Permitted Developme…
We support the Government’s aim of revitalising our high streets and town centres, but we...
We support the Government’s aim of revitalising our high streets and town centres, but we are concerned that the new class MA right could undermine attempts to do so. The current requirement that properties need only have been vacant from … Read more
Government Response
The government defends the Class MA permitted development right, stating it supports thriving high streets and prevents empty premises, citing the two-year rule to prevent gaming. It rejects extending ground-floor protections beyond conservation areas, arguing it would make the process too onerous.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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10 Recommendation Rejected
Third Report - Permitted Developme…
The Government should either extend the vacancy period or devise a test that can be...
The Government should either extend the vacancy period or devise a test that can be applied to properties to make sure they are not still viable as class E premises. It should consider the most appropriate vacancy period or test … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects amending the prior approval process for Class MA rights, stating the current system balances support for high streets and prevents gaming, and that further changes would create an undue burden. It does not address the recommendation to extend the vacancy period or devise a new viability test.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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Government Response AI assessment · 14 of 7 classified
Accepted 1
Accepted in Part 4
Acknowledged 2
Not Addressed 3
Rejected 4
Total 7 recs + 7 conclusions
Correspondence 4 letters
27 Jun 2023 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning dated 26 June 2023 concerning the Government's response to the Committee's report on Permitted Development Rights
Parliament page
28 Feb 2023 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Secretary of State dated 27 February 2023 concerning the Government's response to the Committee's report on Permitted Development Rights
Parliament page
26 Apr 2022 To committee Letter from the Minister for Housing to the Chair dated 19 April 2022 concerning Government responses to the Committee's reports on the Future of the Planning System in England and Permitted Development Rights
Parliament page
6 Jul 2021 To committee Letter from the Minister for Housing to the Chair dated 30 June 2021 concerning the Minister's appearance before the Committee on 16 June in connection with the inquiry into Permitted Development Rights
Parliament page