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

The research report focuses on the quality standards of homes delivered through change of use permitted development rights in England. Published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the study involves contributions from various academic experts, including Dr. Ben Clifford and Dr. Patricia Canelas from the Bartlett School of Planning, UCL, and Professor Alex Lord from the University of Liverpool. The report is critical for understanding how policies impact housing quality, especially in the context of sustainability.

Permitted development rights (PDR) allow the conversion of various types of commercial buildings into residential units without the need for full planning permission. This study analyzed 639 buildings across 11 local planning authorities (LPAs), including Bristol, Crawley, and Manchester, to assess the quality of housing produced through this route. The findings revealed that only 22.1% of residential units created through PDR met the Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS), compared to 73.4% of units produced through full planning permission.

The types of buildings analyzed include office-to-residential, retail-to-residential, and light industrial-to-residential conversions. The majority of units created through PDR were smaller, with a significant proportion being studio flats or one-bedroom units—68.9% of PDR units compared to 44.1% from planning permission. Additionally, 72.0% of the PDR units had only single aspect windows, limiting natural light, while 67.1% of planning permission units had dual or triple aspect windows.

The research considered local economic indicators such as unemployment rates and average house prices. The average unemployment rate across the case study LPAs varied significantly. For example, Sunderland had a rate of 6.9%, while Crawley reported just 3.3%. Average house prices also contrasted sharply, with Richmond’s prices around £666,848 compared to Sunderland’s £116,051. These variances impact housing accessibility and affordability in different locales.

A significant concern raised in the report is the lack of developer contributions generated from PDR schemes. Many LPAs reported that they did not secure any developer contributions on PD schemes, primarily due to the nature of PDR which limits the scope for Section 106 obligations. This raises questions about the sustainability of local infrastructure, as additional housing can place pressure on existing services without adequate contributions to support them.

The research underscores the ongoing challenges and considerations in converting commercial properties into residential units. While PDR can expedite housing supply, the findings indicate that many units lack the quality necessary for sustainable living. The disparity in compliance with space standards and the limited access to amenities underscore the need for robust policies that ensure housing quality aligns with community needs.