Peregrine Mears Architects talk development
Perry Mears of west country practice Peregrine Mears Architects recently briefed the Peninsula Management team on new planning legislation, aimed specifically at the block management sector, which may open up development opportunities for landlords of long leasehold blocks of flats and apartments.
From the 31st August 2020 there are number of new permitted development rights, including one which effectively gives ‘automatic’ planning permission for upwards extensions of up to two-storeys for existing blocks of flats, providing they meet certain requirements and subject to a standard prior notification process.
New Permitted Development right
Introduced by the The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2020
The main criteria that must be satisfied to make use of the new Permitted Development right include:
- The existing building must be a purpose-built block of residential flats
- It must have been built between July 1, 1948 and March 5, 2018
- It must be detached, i.e not have any party walls
- The new storeys must comprise self-contained residential flats
- Up to two additional storeys of residential accommodation
- Each storey of a block of flats can be max 3m high with the total height of the extension limited to max 7m
- The building cannot be listed or in a conservation area
The legislation introduces four new permitted development rights, Classes AA-AD. Each class allows construction of one or two additional storeys, consisting of new flats, built on top of the highest existing storey of qualifying buildings.
Classes AA and AB permit new flats in detached buildings and terraced buildings respectively which are in commercial or mixed use as shops, for financial / professional services, restaurants / cafes, offices, betting shops, payday loan outlets, launderettes or in a mixed use building with one of the quoted commercial uses, with an existing dwelling use. For Class AA only, the building must already be three storeys high, above ground level, to rely on this new permitted development right.
Before any development can start the developer must still apply to the local planning authority to determine whether prior approval will be needed, so there is a similar application process to normal planning applications. However permitted development places an oneness on the local authority to agree to proposals where they might not ordinarily – so they would need a very good reason not to do so.
“Taking time out to talk with other professionals like Perry sparks interesting and creative ideas. Even if a block doesn’t comply with the above criteria are there other development opportunities somewhere? said Peninsula Management Director Rupert Hambly.
Peregrine Mears Architects development talks open up interesting discussions about development opportunities for apartment blocks and in fact give an insight into how conversations are started about property development generally. What development opportunities might this create? The way to find out is to contact leading west country architect Perry Mears of Peregrine Mears Architects of Barnstaple, Exeter and Truro. “I always welcome conversations about all types of development projects. Our team combines experts in many fields and we are always happy to offer a free initial consultation. 01271 377 776 or perry@mearsarchitects.com
Perry Mears Director RIBA Chartered Architect