In what's being touted as a radical solution to Britain's chronic housing shortage, the government has unveiled plans to dramatically expand permitted development rights. The policy would allow developers to convert shops, offices, and takeaways into residential properties without full planning permission. But housing experts and local authorities are sounding the alarm, warning this quick-fix approach could have devastating long-term consequences.
The False Promise of Quick Fixes
Michael Gove's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities claims these measures will unlock "hundreds of thousands of new homes" by cutting red tape. On the surface, it's an appealing proposition for a country where home ownership feels increasingly like a distant dream for millions. However, the reality behind this policy reveals a more troubling picture.
"This isn't solving the housing crisis—it's institutionalising slum housing," warns one senior planning officer who spoke on condition of anonymity. "We're creating the next generation of housing problems while pretending to solve today's."
The Human Cost of Substandard Housing
The evidence from previous permitted development schemes paints a concerning picture. Research shows these conversions often result in:
- Homes smaller than the minimum size standards for prisons
- Windowless bedrooms and inadequate ventilation
- Poor access to natural light and outdoor space
- Insufficient sound insulation between properties
- Location in areas without essential amenities like schools or parks
As one housing charity director noted, "We're not just building houses—we're building communities, or in this case, we're failing to."
The Real Solutions Being Ignored
Experts argue the government is focusing on the wrong solutions. Rather than deregulating planning, they suggest addressing:
- Proper investment in social housing - Building genuinely affordable homes for those who need them most
- Strategic urban planning - Creating sustainable communities with proper infrastructure
- Protecting existing affordable housing - Preventing the loss of social housing through right-to-buy and conversion
- Quality standards enforcement - Ensuring all new homes meet basic living standards
A Cross-Party Concern
Criticism isn't limited to opposition parties. Conservative councillors in affluent areas are expressing concern about the impact on their constituencies. As one Tory council leader admitted, "This policy might create numbers on a spreadsheet, but it won't create homes people actually want to live in long-term."
The Local Government Association has been particularly vocal, arguing that stripping local authorities of planning oversight removes their ability to ensure developments include essential infrastructure and meet community needs.
The Road Ahead
With the housing crisis deepening and political pressure mounting, the temptation for quick fixes is understandable. But as housing professionals warn, short-term solutions that compromise on quality could create problems that haunt Britain for decades to come.
The real test will be whether the government listens to these warnings or pushes ahead with a policy that prioritises quantity over quality in our housing stock.
