Permitted Development Rights - further change

08 December 2020

Fast Track - making it easier to change properties.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued another set of changes to permitted development rights for consultation.  These changes cover

  • A new permitted development right for a change of use to residential to create new homes
  • Measures to provide public service infrastructure more quickly through expanded permitted development rights and a new streamlined planning application process for hospitals, schools and prisons
  • The approach to simplifying and consolidating existing permitted development rights following changes to the Use Classes Order

The Society will need review these proposals.  Two immediate concerns.

  1. Making new homes from Commercial Properties has its uses but new homes have impacts on Roads, Health Services etc that do need consideration.
  2. Streamlined planning for public buildings (hospitals, schools and prisons) has its dangers.  The Royal Surrey County Hospital is being surrounded by a number temporary buildings under the current planning regulations.  It must be questioned if speed is needed?  A strategic plan for the expansion and development of key buildings such as the hospital seems more appropriate.

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