As Communities Secretary Eric Pickles launched a consultation that could see thousands of vacant office buildings converted into homes without planning permission, the British Property Federation (BPF) has welcomed the move.
With peacetime house building at a record low, Pickles' relaxation of the change-of-use laws could deliver 250,000 new homes and save almost £140m over 10 years "in unnecessary red tape costs". The plans were first laid out in the government's Growth Review, published alongside last month's Budget.
The BPF supports the relaxation of the change-of-use laws in unlocking desperately needed new housing, but agrees with Government that they should be consulted upon, to avoid any unintended consequences.
Ian Fletcher, director of policy at the British Property Federation, said: "The desperate need for housing means no stone should be left unturned in considering new sources of housing supply.
"Office to residential conversions won't work for all buildings, or in every area, but any trip through our suburbs soon exposes redundant office space that is never going to be brought back into commercial use.
"Such conversions will be good for those seeking homes, the wider community and local authorities, who will gain from the New Homes Bonus and council tax receipts that occupation generates.
"The Government is, therefore, right to consult on how best to make this happen."
