14 Oct 2013, 2:23 pm
Research by the Estates Gazette found that 59 applications have been submitted in London alone in the three month period between June and September. The Department for Communities and Local Government published an impact assessment (19-page / 339KB PDF) in May with estimates of between 85 and 175 conversions in the year 2013/14.
The new permitted development rights, which will be in place for three years, came into force at the end of May. The rights allow changes of use from office to residential without the need for planning permission.
The Estates Gazette statistics showed that the number of change of use applications had increased by 62% in outer London in the June to September period and 20% in inner London.
Submitted applications include the conversion of Archway Tower in Islington, which gained approval last month, as well as the Delta Point building in Croydon, which is still awaiting determination, and the Vista Business Centre in Hounslow, which the Council has decided does not need prior approval.
