Change of use (B1(b))
Discussion
Looking at an old R&D facility tomorrow, class B1(b), with intent to convert to residential.
There is nothing special about it, it's basically an office block oddly located in a densely populated resi area, that at a point in time was used for some sort of non chemical research. It seems B1 a and c are a given to swap to resi, but b is conspicuous by its absence.
Aside from speaking to the local planning officer asap, is there anything I'm missing here?
It's a hideous old 50's thing so planning will be required to make it cosmetically acceptable, the owners claim to have not investigated anything about a change of use. Which they always do if it's not good news I find (!)
There is nothing special about it, it's basically an office block oddly located in a densely populated resi area, that at a point in time was used for some sort of non chemical research. It seems B1 a and c are a given to swap to resi, but b is conspicuous by its absence.
Aside from speaking to the local planning officer asap, is there anything I'm missing here?
It's a hideous old 50's thing so planning will be required to make it cosmetically acceptable, the owners claim to have not investigated anything about a change of use. Which they always do if it's not good news I find (!)
Edited by Croutons on Sunday 11th February 19:01
Although I can see the references to B1(a) and B1(c), they are used mainly as examples.
I can see no reason why B1(b) would be excluded.
I think this is something you need to push your planning department on.
Planning would obviously be needed to convert to flats or whatever in any event.
Update.
Having read the reply from Equus, they are not just examples.
But would planning permission for change of use be such a big problem?
I can see no reason why B1(b) would be excluded.
I think this is something you need to push your planning department on.
Planning would obviously be needed to convert to flats or whatever in any event.
Update.
Having read the reply from Equus, they are not just examples.
But would planning permission for change of use be such a big problem?
Edited by Ricky146a on Monday 12th February 15:32
Ricky146a said:
I can see no reason why B1(b) would be excluded.
The reason is because it's not included in the GDPO.Planners don't make this sort of stuff up according to which side of the bed they got out of this morning: if the legislation says they can do it, they can do it. If it doesn't, they can't.
Equus said:
The reason is because it's not included in the GDPO.
Planners don't make this sort of stuff up according to which side of the bed they got out of this morning: if the legislation says they can do it, the can do it. If it doesn't, they can't.
Agreed.Planners don't make this sort of stuff up according to which side of the bed they got out of this morning: if the legislation says they can do it, the can do it. If it doesn't, they can't.
Although I was not referring to the PD side of things - just whether Change of Use would be possible via planning.
Thanks all,
Planning officer near reading from a script on this one! Basically full planning app and I'll find out. Single dwelling more favourable than anything else, which is fine as it would be the plan, although the specifics would make it a bit weird, more weirdly houses either side are 3 storey, he's adamant it would have to stay single height...
Interestingly stated first off a move to a or c then "magically" using PD not an option as the site doesn't lend itself to either (not a as 3500Sq/ft building with 5 parking spaces, nor C as no real room for arrivals/ despatch).
Might end up in the "too difficult" pile...
Planning officer near reading from a script on this one! Basically full planning app and I'll find out. Single dwelling more favourable than anything else, which is fine as it would be the plan, although the specifics would make it a bit weird, more weirdly houses either side are 3 storey, he's adamant it would have to stay single height...
Interestingly stated first off a move to a or c then "magically" using PD not an option as the site doesn't lend itself to either (not a as 3500Sq/ft building with 5 parking spaces, nor C as no real room for arrivals/ despatch).
Might end up in the "too difficult" pile...
Croutons said:
Interestingly stated first off a move to a or c then "magically" using PD not an option as the site doesn't lend itself to either...
Not an option, anyway, as I read the regs.: the GDPO requires that it was in use as B1(a) on 29th May 2013 (or last use as B1(a) if it wasn't in use on that date). If it was in use as B1(b) on 29th May 2013, it isn't eligible for the PD rights, period.Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff