Planning Minister confirms intention to introduce amendments

Following the publication of a consultation paper in August 2013, the Planning Minister has now confirmed the Government’s intention to introduce amendments to the General Permitted Development Order in England, with a view to encouraging the re-use of empty and under-used buildings. Change of use from retail to residential is to be made easier and provision is to be made for the change of use of redundant or under-used agricultural buildings to houses, subject only to a prior approval process.