Pre-election Changes Shaping our High Street

A couple of weeks back a neighbour who runs her own planning consultancy drew my attention to a change in planning law that's coming into effect next week. Setting aside the timing of the changes, it's worth reflecting on what they might mean for our high street.

There are two key changes that are likely to affect our high street.

Firstly, it will be possible to convert shops and financial services premises to restaurants and cafes without planning permission. Any change will be subject to the premises being no greater than 150 sq. m and a Prior Approval scheme (focussing on noise, odours, traffic and hours of opening). A change will also need to satisfy planners that the loss of the shop would not have an adverse impact on a shopping area. Initially the change will be permitted for two years only, but this may change or be extended. This clearly isn't unrestricted change, but it is a significant change of focus.

Secondly, betting and pay day loan shops will be removed from the financial services use class and get their own category. The effect of this change will mean that betting shops will now need planning permission and make it much easier for the Council to stop new betting offices opening - something that has been impossible since a 2007 law change.

Off the high street, warehouses will be able change use to residential up to 500 sq m of floor space. Subject to a prior approval process.