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Written question asked by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 November 2014, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 21 November 2014. It was answered by Brandon Lewis (Conservative) on Monday, 1 December 2014 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.


Change of Use

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2014 to Question 209429, and the Housing Standards Review Technical Consultation issued in September 2014, if he will make it his policy that a national standard to replace the existing space standards used by local authorities apply to new dwellings created by conversion from other uses under permitted development rights.

Answer

The published proposals from our Housing Standards Review relate to new build housing. The conversion of an existing building is technically more complex than a new build – as the existing configuration of internal walls and structures will influence the spatial dimensions of the new dwelling.

Notwithstanding, any new dwellings created by change of use would be subject to Housing Health and Safety Rating System regulations on space and crowding, as well as aspects of the building regulations including fire safety, sound insulation and energy efficiency.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
215249
Session
2014-15
Related items
Change of Use
Tuesday, 14 October 2014
Written questions
House of Commons
Registered interest declared
Yes
Subjects
Housing Change of use Permitted development rights
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk