To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to encourage the conversion of redundant or vacant (1) shops, (2) public houses, and (3) other buildings, into dwellings.
Answered on
6 July 2022
Our National Planning Policy Framework encourages the re-use of redundant or disused buildings for housing. In addition, we have introduced a range of nationally set permitted development rights which allow for the change of use from a wide range of vacant commercial buildings, such as shops, offices and restaurants to residential use without the need for a local planning application. The rights are making an important contribution to housing delivery, with over 82,000 new homes delivered under them rights in the six years to March 2021. Pubs will often be an important community asset, and we believe that it is appropriate that any proposals to change their use should be considered through the planning application process.