Clarkson Wright and Jakes Ltd Banner Image

Insights

New Homes v Office Space Retention - High Court Holds the Line

Relentless pressure for more new housing in urban areas tends to relegate to second place the need for office space in planning terms, and in some circumstances full planning permission is not needed to convert office premises to residential use. However, in one case, plans to demolish a former office building and replace it with a new luxury home were sent back to the drawing board by the High Court.

The three-storey townhouse was set in one of London's most expensive areas. After having been used as office space for many years, it had been devoted to storage in more recent times. The property's owner was refused permission for a basement extension by a planning inspector. However, the inspector granted consent for the property's change of use, demolition and residential replacement.

In upholding a neighbouring homeowner's challenge to that decision and quashing the consent, the Court found that the inspector had given insufficient weight to the possibility that the building could revert to office use. There was substantial demand for office space in the area and the change of use to residential would impact on the possibility of meeting that demand.

Failures to obtain change of use from office space to residential property are not terribly common, but where office space is in short supply and the case is not argued with great vigour, such decisions do occur.

For advice on any change of use application or proposed building development, contact us.

Although correct at the time of publication, the contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article. Please contact us for the latest legal position.