19 Aug 2013, 4:13 pm
Ripon plans to convert the upper floors of Canterbury House, an empty 11-storey 1960s office block at Newbury Street, into 120 new homes. Following its submission to the Council of a prior approval request for the change of use, the Council has notified Ripon that no prior approval will be required.
Under the Government's new temporary permitted development rights, which came into force in May, buildings used as offices can be converted into residential use without the need for planning permission, subject to the relevant local authority granting prior approval in relation to the transport and highways impacts of the development; contamination risks on the site; and flooding risks on the site.
The permitted development rights regime does not place a residential developer under the same obligations to make Section 106 contributions as the general planning permission process. However, according to reports by Planning Magazine, Ripon will make a voluntary contribution towards streetworks outside the building.
