Following the speech by Housing and Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, a consultation has started on proposed amendments to permitted development rights (PDRs). This proposes amendments to various PDRs including those relating to:

• Agricultural diversification and development for the conversion of agricultural buildings to commercial (Class R) or residential (Class Q) use.
• The extension of both domestic and non-domestic buildings.

These proposed amendments include:

Expanding PDRs to include other rural buildings (such as equestrian and forestry buildings) enabling diversification to commercial or residential uses.

Converting derelict, unused or obsolete roadside barns to residential dwellings in designated areas and Article 2 land including AONBs, National Parks, the Broads and World Heritage Sites. It is important to note however that the Government report does already mention the inclusion of PDRs on Article 2 land for both commercial use and residential use, up to 10 dwellings.

Accepting new housing developments in designated areas and article 2 land. Nothing has been mentioned regarding legislation enabling the building of new homes within article 2 land with the government report stressing the protection of greenfield sites and greenbelt.

Allowing rear extensions and simplifying the floorspace restriction within Class Q PDRs.

Increasing the maximum area of agricultural development such as new agricultural buildings to 1,500sqm (for agricultural units of 5ha or more).

The Consultation runs until 25th September 2023 when it will be reviewed.

As part of the call for evidence for the consultation on PDRs, DEFRA is interested in understanding planning and any other issues associated with nature-based solutions, farm efficiency projects and the diversification of farm incomes beyond that covered by PDRs.

CONSULTATION ON PLAN-MAKING

In addition to the launch of the consultation on PDRs, a consultation on plan-making has started. This consultation seeks views on proposals to implement the parts of the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill that relate specifically to plan-making.

Some of the proposals within this consultation are:

• A timeframe of 30 months to prepare, examine and adopt new local plans.
• A single local plan for a district rather than multiple documents.
• New assessments through the plan-making process.
• Piloting of ‘Community Land Auctions’ to identify land for development that benefits local communities.
• Introduction of ‘Supplementary Plans’ to enable local authorities to react to change in their areas quickly.

The Consultation runs until 18th October 2023 when it will be reviewed.