BCP Council (formerly Bournemouth Borough Council): Matt Annen, director of Pure Town Planning is happy to have delivered a prior approval permission for the permitted development change of use of first floor offices (Class B1(a) – now Class E) to 16 residential flats (Class C3) in Westbourne, Bournemouth. The plans were prepared by local firm; Anders Roberts Cheer Architects. for mutual clients; Tayfield Homes.

The officer concluded in his report that: “With regard to the above considerations and relevant legislation the proposed change of use to flats is considered to constitute permitted development in accordance with Class O of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment and Consequential Provisions) (England) Order and prior approval is required and granted”.

This permitted development right (with associated prior approval procedure) has been around since May 2013, and has been extended a couple of times already. However at the time of writing this PD right is set to end on 31st July 2021 and there is no indication from the Government whether this is going to be extended. So if you have an office and would like to secure a residential use to safeguard future value, then be quick! Submission of these office to residential prior approvals need to have been made by end of July 2021 which is only 2 months away. Contact the Pure Town Planning team on 01202 585524 or email info@puretownplanning.co.uk. and we can provide you with the advice and assistance to enable you to meet this deadline.