Planning measures will allow councils to turn offices into homes

Under the new rules, a range of buildings – including shops, financial and professional services, restaurants and offices – will be able to convert to other uses for up to two years.

Councils would be able to seek exemptions on ‘justified economic grounds’, but the secretary of state would only grant them in exceptional circumstances.

Further reforms have also been granted to allow agricultural buildings to be converted for other business uses without the need for planning permission.

Buildings no longer suitable or needed for agricultural use could be transferred into new growth‑boosting ventures that benefit rural areas, such as shops, restaurants, small hotels and leisure facilities and offices, under new permitted development rights. Town centre buildings will also be able to easily convert to help new shops, business start-ups and community projects keen to set up in high streets.

Planning Minister Nick Boles said: “These new changes ensure the very best use is made of our existing buildings to provide new homes and makes sure we get the most use we can out of our previously developed land. These changes are an important step in improving the planning system and making sure it is in the best possible shape to swiftly adapt to changes.”