There’s A Bold Solution to the Housing Crisis

The government has outlined plans for 200,000 new starter homes to be constructed. But history tells us that this number is highly unlikely to be reached. So how can we help bridge this gap between demand and supply? One solution is to be far bolder in converting unused office space into living accommodation. Two years ago, hopes were raised that up to 40,000 flats would be created in London and the South East as a result of a three-year temporary introduction of permitted development rights (PDR) – a relaxation of the planning rules so that empty office blocks could be more quickly converted into living accommodation.  However, PDR has had a mixed reception. Eleven London councils were granted exemptions from the rights by the government, after maintaining PDR would threaten their boroughs’ vitality. Read more on the City AM website.