Richmond Council warned the new rules could lead to the disappearance of available premises for essential traders and services in the borough amid the economic fallout from coronavirus. Image: John Baker via geograph.org Richmond Council have slammed the government s latest fast-track rules for the approval of new developments in the UK. In a strongly-worded statement published Tuesday (February 2), the council said Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick s plans for the permitted development right (PDR) would overhaul the scrutiny of residents and local authorities on new developments. PDR would, according to the Council, allow buildings currently in commercial or business use to be converted to residential use without a formal planning application .
The council’s Planning Committee resolved to refuse the original application in July 2019. However, after an intervention from London Mayor Sadiq Khan, permission for the Homebase site redevelopment granted in October 2020. The scheme was then referred to housing secretary Robert Jenrick. Sarah Olney, MP for Richmond Park, wrote to Mr Jenrick in September 2020 requesting he call in the application. She argued the proposal was of regional significance and the scheme would have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area. The Secretary of State issued a holding direction to allow him time to consider the request. However, Mr Jenrick confirmed in January 2021 the application will not be called in.
The council’s Planning Committee resolved to refuse the original application in July 2019. However, after an intervention from London Mayor Sadiq Khan, permission for the Homebase site redevelopment granted in October 2020. The scheme was then referred to housing secretary Robert Jenrick. Sarah Olney, MP for Richmond Park, wrote to Mr Jenrick in September 2020 requesting he call in the application. She argued the proposal was of regional significance and the scheme would have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area. The Secretary of State issued a holding direction to allow him time to consider the request. However, Mr Jenrick confirmed in January 2021 the application will not be called in.