Adam Tuck, Director of planning and development at Cheffins, comments: "Whilst planning reforms are welcome, much of what has been announced today (13th February 2024) is already in place in some form. We need to know the full details of what is being proposed to understand the significance. For example, you can currently apply for office to residential conversions, but the building must be vacant for three months, and after this time, while an application is being determined, you need to pay vacant rates liability. “Other considerations for office to residential conversions include details such as Listed building constraints, access points, car parking – the infrastructure of commercial buildings and their locations doesn’t always lend itself to residential dwellings. “Permitted development rights for loft conversions and small extensions are already in place, so again, the proposals seem to just be tinkering with policies that are already in place.”