In their continuing programme for wholesale change of the Town Planning system the Government have now published a consultation document on further changes to Permitted Development Rights.

The proposals are:

• To create a permitted development right to assist change of use and the associated physical works from an existing building used as a small shop or provider of professional/financial services (A1 and A2 uses) to residential use (C3);
• To create a permitted development right to enable retail use (A1) to change to a bank or a building society;
• To create a permitted development right to assist change of use and the associated physical works from existing buildings used for agricultural purposes to change to residential use (C3);
• To extend the permitted development rights for premises used as offices (B1), hotels (C1), residential (C2 and C2A), non-residential institutions (D1), and leisure and assembly (D2) to change use to a state funded school, to also be able to change to nurseries providing childcare; and
• To create a permitted development right to allow a building used for agricultural purposes of up to 500m2 to be used as a new state funded school or nursery providing childcare.

The changes proposed in this consultation document will help make better use of existing buildings, support rural communities and high streets, provide new housing and contribute to the provision of child care for working families.

Consultation on these proposals go on until the 15th October 2013 and further details can be found HERE.