Resistance against turning business spaces into residential dwellings in England
In a significant turn of events, an amendment to remove certain Permitted Development Rights (PDR) from the planning and infrastructure bill is being debated in Parliament today. This move, if passed, could potentially reshape the housing landscape in the UK.
The amendment has garnered support from various housing and planning organisations, including Shelter, the National Housing Federation, the Town and Country Planning Association, the G15, the Royal Town Planning Institute, and 39 companies, as stated in an open letter.
Campaigners argue that the abolition of some PDR is necessary due to concerns about the quality of homes created through these rights. Studies, including the government's own research, suggest that homes constructed through PDR are more likely to be smaller, darker, poorly ventilated, and in unsuitable locations.
Baroness Thornhill, a prominent figure in the housing debate, agrees that it's time to scrap certain PDR rules. She notes that these rules have had a more significant impact than initially anticipated, allowing developers to circumvent the democratic planning process. This, she believes, results in councils and communities losing out significantly.
Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association (LGA), shares similar concerns. She states that this amendment could be a game changer, as it could provide housing for a fifth of families in temporary accommodation. Moreover, she believes the amendment could help councils deliver the high-quality houses that the country needs.
New research from the LGA shows that over the last 11 years, almost 28,000 affordable homes have been lost due to PDR developments. This loss is a cause for concern, especially considering that the amendment could help address the housing crisis in the UK.
Meanwhile, a separate event unfolded as the High Court ruled in favour of asylum seekers, allowing them to stay at The Bell Hotel. The statement implies that the asylum debate should include planning considerations, as the current PDR rules have implications for housing provision for these vulnerable groups.
As the debate on planning and its role in the asylum debate continues, the amendment to remove PDR allowances gathers momentum. Cllr Gittins hopes the amendment receives sufficient backing as the planning and infrastructure bill progresses, marking a step towards more sustainable and high-quality housing in the UK.
