Research into the quality standard of homes delivered through change of use permitted development rights

The resource titled "Research into the quality standard of homes delivered through change of use permitted development rights" is published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The authors include Dr. Ben Clifford, Dr. Patricia Canelas, Dr. Jessica Ferm, Dr. Nicola Livingstone, Professor Alex Lord, and Dr. Richard Dunning, representing esteemed institutions such as the Bartlett School of Planning, UCL, and the Department of Geography and Planning, University of Liverpool.

Permitted development rights (PDR) have been in place since the introduction of the statutory planning system in the UK in 1948. Significant extensions since 2013 allow for the conversion of various types of buildings, including offices and retail spaces, into residential units without the need for full planning permission. This research focuses on the quality of homes created through these rights, specifically examining cases from eleven local planning authorities (LPAs) across England.

The research involved site visits to 639 buildings and a detailed analysis of 240 schemes. It found that only 22.1% of residential units created through PDR met the nationally described space standards (NDSS), compared to 73.4% of units created through full planning permission. Additionally, 68.9% of units from PDR were studios or one-bedroom flats, suggesting a lack of diversity in housing types.

The study indicated that PDR conversions were more likely to be situated in commercially or industrially zoned areas, which often offered poor residential amenities. For instance, 72.0% of PD units had single aspect windows, leading to inadequate natural light and poor living conditions. Furthermore, only 3.5% of PD units had access to private amenity space, highlighting significant deficiencies in outdoor living areas.

The report emphasizes the economic implications of PDR. While PDR can expedite housing delivery, it often results in smaller, lower-quality units that do not meet community needs. Developers noted that the PD route is attractive due to reduced costs and faster approval times but expressed concerns about the quality of housing produced, especially in weaker market conditions.

The research also explored the relationship between PDR and developer contributions, such as Section 106 agreements. It found that many PD schemes do not provide such contributions, leading to concerns about the lack of affordable housing and infrastructure investment in communities. Only a handful of local authorities have successfully secured contributions from PD schemes.

In summary, the findings reveal that while PDR facilitates the rapid conversion of commercial properties into residential units, it often compromises quality and amenity. The research highlights the need for more stringent standards and oversight to ensure that housing developments meet the requirements for healthy and sustainable living environments. This is crucial for addressing the ongoing housing crisis in England and ensuring that new homes contribute positively to communities.