This technical review examines national policy, guidance, building and housing regulations in England, how they relate to the quality of housing created through permitted development, and the potential health effects. It is part of a three-year project led by UCL’s Bartlett School of Planning, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The review finds that current policies, guidance and regulations are complex and inconsistent in what they require regarding homes created through permitted development. By side-stepping the requirement to obtain full planning consent, the government has removed a key mechanism for ensuring affordable, good quality homes in appropriate locations.
The lack of clear and specific requirements regarding the quality of housing created through permitted development creates a risk that regulators and developers might not ensure vital health-related requirements are addressed.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
