Flats From Shops Would Offer “Absolutely No Privacy”

Campaigners have raised concerns over plans to create new homes from commercial property, saying the move could lead to poor-quality homes with no privacy.

As the coronavirus pandemic changes the face of the high street, with many shops shutting for good, new planning laws will make it easier to convert them into homes.

New permitted development rights will that take effect on 1 August, allowing a change of use from commercial to residential property. The housing secretary, Robert Jenrick said: “By diversifying our town and city centres we can help the high street to adapt and thrive for the future.”

However, campaigners say that existing shops may be unsuitable as homes. According to Julia Park, of architects Levitt Bernstein, the new permitted development rights don’t allow for changes to the outside of buildings. This could result in people living in properties with floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer little privacy and risk overheating in summer. “You would feel so exposed,” she said “Who wants to live on the edge of a busy pavement?

“Every effort should be made to retain active uses first at ground level – gyms and leisure facilities, nurseries, co-working spaces, craft and repair workshops, adult learning centres, galleries, music venues and community centres.”

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government rejected the concerns. A spokesperson said: “The changes to permitted development rights will help support our high streets by transforming unused buildings into much-needed new homes. All new homes must be of high quality and meet building regulations.”

Separate rules on the minimum size of a property took effect in April. They state that the minimum floor area for a new one-bedroom, one-person home (including conversions) is 37 sq metres, or 50 sq metres for two people.

Read more about this story in The Guardian.