Permitted development rights now allow the change of use Class B1(c) light industrial buildings to Class C3 residential use. This is for a limited period of three years (although based on the Governments approach to other categories of change of use this could be extended).
The change of use of light industrial floorspace to residential will not require planning permission – but will require prior approval from the Council.
The permitted development rights will only apply to B1(c) buildings under 500sqm gross floorspace and the building must have been in use solely for light industrial purposes on 19 March 2014 (or when last in use if not in use on or since that date).
In considering whether prior approval is required before the change of use can take place, the Council will look at the highways impact, contamination risks, flood risks, and whether the change of use of the building to residential would have an adverse impact on the sustainability of the provision of industrial services and/or storage or distribution services in that area.
It is of note that the permitted development rights do not ‘trump’ the restrictions which exist around protected heathlands which restrict residential development coming forward.
For more information of permitted development opportunities please contact Chapman Lily Planning.