UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK groups call to stop office-to-home conversions, warning 28,000 affordable homes lost and poor-quality housing under PDR rules.
As reported by The Guardian, an open letter from multiple groups called on authorities to scrap office-to-residential conversions in England, citing nearly 28,000 lost affordable homes.
Local councils, housing groups, and charities urge the end of certain permitted development rights. These rights give automatic planning permission and often convert offices into homes.
How have office-to-home conversions cost 28,000 affordable homes?
Permitted development rights have allowed projects to bypass affordable housing rules. The Local Government Association reports nearly 28,000 homes lost under PDR conversions in the past 11 years.
A major revision to the government’s infrastructure bill, targeting the removal of PDR rights, will be debated in parliament on Monday to speed up housing.
According to the LGA, PDR has converted 110,000 offices into homes since 2013. Local authorities could not enforce affordability, climate resilience, or quality standards.
What did Dorothy Thornhill say about the impact of PDR rules?
Dorothy Thornhill, a vice-president of the LGA, stated,
“The impact of certain PDR rules has gone much further than was ever anticipated when they were first brought in. It is time they were scrapped. Councils and communities are losing out significantly because developers are able to circumvent the democratic planning process.”
What did campaigners and experts say in their letter on PDR policy?
Activists and industry experts representing 39 groups, including Shelter, the Town and Country Planning Association, the National Association of Local Councils, and the Association of Directors of Public Health, urged the government to approve the PDR amendment.
The letter labels the PDR policy “indefensible” and urges the government to
“ensure that the homes built today are not the poor-quality housing problems of tomorrow.”
It added,
“Many would not meet the most basic fire safety and habitability standards had they been subject to the planning process.”
The letter stated,
“Communities lose twice: on the quality and suitability of the homes, and on the schools, transport, green spaces and health services that make neighbourhoods thrive.”
What did Louise Gittins say about PDR and affordable housing?
Louise Gittins, head of the LGA, stated that the amendment “could be a game-changer.”
She added,
“PDR allows developers to avoid contributing to affordable housing in the local area, which has a real-world impact. A quarter of families in temporary accommodation could be permanently housed.”
What did the Ministry of Housing say about PDR and housing plans?
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated,
“The government is delivering the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation backed by £39bn investment.”
They added,
“We recognise there have been criticisms of delivering homes using permitted development rights and that is why we continue to keep these rights under review.”
How are PDR-converted flats in Bristol causing problems for residents?
Research suggests PDR-built homes often fall short, being small, dark, poorly ventilated, and located in unsuitable areas like business parks.
British authorities face pressure as a campaign urges moving residents from a former office block, which Shelter reports suffers from damp, mould, disrepair, overcrowding, and infestations.
A coalition of over 500 residents, doctors, and charities called for urgent action. They urged Bristol City Council to relocate residents from Imperial Apartments, a block converted into 466 flats under PDR.
Families report that heavy office-era security doors and thin, poorly insulated walls make the flats unsuitable for living.
Labour government’s target to build homes
After taking office, the Labour government plans to build 1.5 million new homes in England by 2029. Only 186,600 were built in the first year due to delays and shortages. They have pledged £39bn for housing, reforms, and training. Experts warn that faster action is needed to meet the target.