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Q&As
Planning and Brownfield Sites
I'm looking into change of use and brownfield sites under the right to build, can someone explain how they work together as sets of rules in principle?
When I look at the change of use guidelines, not all class B properties seem to be readily changeable to C3. However, when I look at the right to build guidelines it seems local planning teams have to work on a presumption of granting planning unless good reason not to.
How does the definition 'brownfield' overlay with the use classes framework?
Thanks!
Rosie
One Answer
Hi Rosie, the circumstances in which you can convert existing buildings of various kinds to residential use, as permitted development, are set out in the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO). Different types of property, such as business, office, agricultural and retail are dealt with by specific classes in the Order. Each class has a specific set of criteria that must be complied with. The definition of ‘brownfield’ is not relevant to the GPDO. If a potential conversion project doesn’t fall within the GPDO, and planning permission is needed for it, then you’d need to look at your council’s Development Plan policies to see whether they allow what you have in mind and what criteria apply. The so-called right to build requires councils to keep a register of those wanting to self-build, and to ensure there are sufficient plots available to meet that need. They also keep registers of brownfield land that is available for development. That does not alter the fact that the principal consideration that determines planning applications is Development Plan policy, supplemented by Government planning guidance, contained in the National Planning Policy Framework.