Do Important Permitted Development Rights (PDR) Have a Future under a Burnham Lead Government?
Between 2020 and 2021, Burnham was among several local government and planning voices who criticised the Government’s expansion of Permitted Development Rights (PDR). More recently, he publicly supported a coalition led by the Local Government Association calling for the removal of various PDR’s.
The coalition argued that the use of PDR’s had led to poorer quality housing, a reduction in affordable housing contributions, and a weakening of local democratic control. While some of these concerns have since been addressed through legislative changes, including revisions to Class Q, the argument surrounding the loss of democratic control remains a point of debate.
Whilst these criticisms were primarily directed at residential conversions, Class R (agricultural to commercial uses) was brought in under the same legislation. As a result, any move made to remove the legislation as a whole may well impact all rights brought in under it.
Despite this, Stags continues to see strong demand for residential development plots from private buyers and specialist developers of bespoke homes. Rural locations remain highly sought after, supporting strong plot values and robust sales prices for completed homes.
Turning to commercial uses, whilst speculative demand remains highly location dependent, many farmers have turned to Class R to assist with their own diversification projects, especially at a time when seeking full planning consent is ever more onerous. Class R also remains one of the permitted development rights that can be used within National Parks and National Landscapes (formerly AONB’s). Alister Smith, Professional Partner and Head of Planning and Design at Stags, recommends taking advantage of PDR’s while they remain available, as their long term future is uncertain.
Alister notes that: “The current policy and legal framework remains in force until any firm changes are made, and that framework does not need defending from a new Prime Minister. It is statute, for now at least.”
