New rules allowing the conversion of offices to homes without the need for planning consent came into force at the end of May. Since then, details have started to emerge of the first prior approval applications to be lodged with councils from developers seeking to use the new rules.
We’ve trawled local authority planning websites to find a selection of five projects that could be among the first to take advantage of the new rules. Here they are on Google Streetview.
Forsyth House, Richmond
A prior approval application to convert this office block on the A316 dual carriageway into 19 residential units was received by the London Borough of Richmond on 20 June 2013.
Archway Tower, London
Developer Essential Living says that it intends to use the new permitted development rules to make the brutalist 16-storey Archway Tower into “one of the country’s biggest office to residential conversions”. It intends to create more than 100 new homes to rent inside the tower.
Canius House, Croydon
A prior approval application to convert this office building into 19 one-bedroom, 10 studio and one two-bedroom flats was submitted to the London Borough of Croydon on 5 June 2013.
Albion House, Hampton
A prior approval application to convert this three-storey office building into five two-bedroom flats was submitted to the London Borough of Richmond earlier this month.
First floor, Mitre House, Brighton
A prior approval application to convert these first floor offices in Brighton to 12 self-contained flats was received by Brighton and Hove City Council on 10 June 2013