New Planning Rules

[Keith Scantlebury]

I was surprised to learn yesterday that permission is no longer needed for change of use. A shop could become a bookies, a pub could become a house, a butchers could become a payday loan company or a hairdressers could become a takeaway and no planning permission is needed. As from 1st June this year.

[keith lockey]

I was surprised to learn yesterday that permission is no longer needed for change of use. A shop could become a bookies, a pub could become a house, a butchers could become a payday loan company or a hairdressers could become a takeaway and no planning permission is needed. As from 1st June this year.

Does that mean I can turn my semi-detached into a brothal? (I make a mean pan of broth!)

Edited June 6, 2013 by keith lockey

[Keith Scantlebury]

Does that mean I can turn my semi-detached into a brothal? (I make a mean pan of broth!)

Aye, as long as you have a food safety certificate

[Symptoms]

A village in Northumberland or brothel?

[Symptoms]

When I lived in London I lived in a Conservation Area where permission had to be obtained for just about anything ... an excellent regime as it prevented the philistines from wrecking the place. No plakka windows allowed, all (any) tree work had to be approved and was then checked, proper materials use, no front garden paving, limited street signage, really tight development rules, no wheelie bins out the front, shop fronts had to conform to a plan (no garish colours), etc, etc. As a result the place looked great. Had there not been these restrictions in place it would have look a real sh*thole, just like many urban areas in London (and countrywide). It's a shame development rules are being relaxed.

I know that many of the folks who inhabit the 'middle England constituency' (those who are always banging-on about having fought for our freedom and who read the Daily Express or Mail) object to the power of local planning departments need to get real. Thank goodness some parts of "this green and pleasant land" are being protected.

[keith lockey]

A village in Northumberland or brothel?

Sorry for the typo, Symptoms, well spotted, that's what you get when you are in a hurry and multi-tasking. I should learn to type with my fingers instead of my toes.

[Symptoms]

Just read in the paper this morning about proposed building developments in and around World Heritage Sites in Blighty. Eric 'Where Have All The Pies Gone' Pickles hasn't seemed willing to 'call-in' the proposals for review, so it's likely that unsympathetic development will take place.

Anybody who's familiar with the London skyline knows that all of the iconic buildings have been swamped/blighted/hidden/spoilt/etc. by modern development. I love the look of skyscrapers and most modern architecture but it should be placed in context, eg: Canary Whalf, or be sympathetic to what's already there, like Portcullis House. When I lived in Paris the area known as La Défense was being developed and it's the only part of Paris where skyscrapers are built, and it looks terrific; the net result of this policy was to retain that wonderful, unspoilt Paris skyline. Compare that with just about any town or city in Blighty where, for the last fifty years, most of the lovely old town centres have been flattened. We do have a few notable exceptions and they're always a pleasure to visit. Progress is vital, new buildings essential, but place matters. It's only going to get worse!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2013/jun/09/westminster-world-heritage-status-risk

[Maggie/915]

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand