Third Report - Permitted Development Rights

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.

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 It explains that compensation liability for withdrawn permitted development rights is set by primary legislation, and the 12-month notice period is a common practice to mitigate this, thus rejecting the call for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.

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.

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.