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By now, many of you will be aware of Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) that allow the change of use of certain types of buildings without the need for a full planning application.
In March 2016 an amendment was added, which created a new temporary PDR under Class PA. Class PA allows a change of use from light industrial (B1(c)) to dwelling house (C3), subject to limitations and conditions including the prior approval of the Local Planning Authority (LPA) in respect of certain matters.
Light industrial is appropriate in a residential area, so uses which generate more significant noise and smells do not fall within this. This PDR is worth considering particularly in the case of agricultural businesses that have diversified, or where buildings have been let.
Class PA takes effect on the 1st October 2017 and is being introduced as a temporary right for three years. While it may be extended from a temporary to a permanent right, as we saw with Class O (office to residential), this is not guaranteed and we would advise that any applications are submitted as soon as possible.
As with all PD rights they do not apply to buildings that are listed or lie within certain designated areas and in this case to any buildings with a gross floor space of more than 500 sq m (5380 sq ft).
If any landowners have buildings that they believe this may be applicable to and would like further advice, please contact Stags Planning Consultant, Alister King-Smith on 01392 439046.
