Permitted Development Rights - Extension Impact

This Assembly notes that the current Permitted Development rights for office to residential conversions are due to expire in May 2016. The Assembly believes that this deadline should remain and that no attempt should be made to extend these rights or make them permanent.

Objections to the rights have been raised on a number of occasions not only by the Assembly, but additionally by organisations such as the Federation of Small Businesses, given the serious threat they pose to the availability of premises for small businesses in London.

The Assembly believes extension could further deplete the number of commercial sites, driving up the cost of property, reducing opportunities for new businesses and jobs, and ultimately hindering London’s economic development.

This Assembly therefore calls on the Mayor to make representations regarding any possible extension to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, highlighting the negative impact that any extension could have on London’s economic recovery specifically.