Permitted Development Consultation
A government consultation concerning permitted development is near completion. Notably, the warehouse, logistics and storage sector has been acknowledged for its role in keeping the country moving, delivering economic growth and supporting our economy and jobs. So what could be about to change?
Announced on 23rd July 2023 and pending outcome of the consultation, proposed changes to Class H of Part 7 of the General Permitted Development Order would see greater flexibility for the extension, erection, or alteration of non-domestic, industrial and warehouse buildings to support the growing logistics and storage sector.
Current permitted development rights
Existing rights are subject to a number of limitations and conditions, such as site location and the type of development proposed.
For example, where a proposed new building is on protected land, then the floorspace must not exceed 100 square metres.
Otherwise, the maximum floorspace must not exceed 200 square metres.
On the other hand, extensions to existing warehouses or industrial buildings on non protected land are permitted up to 1,000 square metres, or 50% of the overall building (whichever is less).
This drops to 500 square metres or 10% if on article 2(3) land, such as national parks or conservation areas.
Proposed changes to permitted development
New proposals offer to raise the threshold for new industrial and warehouse buildings from 200 to 400 square metres in non-protected areas.
Likewise, the threshold for extensions of existing buildings would increase from 1,000 to 1,500 square metres or 50% to 75% of the overall floorspace.
The proposed changes aim to provide more certainty to businesses to keep up with the growing demand for warehouse and industrial space across the sector.
Implementation of proposals would not affect the current floorspace thresholds for extensions on protected land to ensure that projects in these areas are of an appropriate scale.
Official confirmation date: 25th September 2023
Experts in industrial warehouse installations
Are you looking to extend your warehouse or build a new facility? Contact us today.
We’ll guide you through every stage of the process including planning to ensure you receive the most up to date information.
If at any stage you wish to alter your structure, our dynamic solutions can evolve as your business does too.
Need more inspiration? See how our client underwent a full transformation from loading canopy to warehouse.