Michael Gove will let developers turn offices into apartments to avoid arguments with rural NIMBYs

Housing Secretary to introduce plans tomorrow to make it easier for property developers to convert office buildings and shops into housing without applying for planning permission

The housing secretary will present his plans on Monday (

Image: PA)

Michael Gove will pledge to tear up planning rules in towns and cities to avoid a row with rural Tory NIMBYs.

The Housing Secretary will introduce plans tomorrow to make it easier for property developers to convert office buildings and shops into housing without applying for planning permission.

"We need to build more in the places that make sense - in our town centers to protect our countryside," he said as he announced the plans.

"And we need to make better use of the buildings we already have - empty shops or offices can't gather dust when we urgently need more houses."

But the Labor Party said the proposals would be a 'drop in the ocean' in relation to the housing crisis facing Britain.

"Britain desperately needs more housing, but another review is a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed to solve the housing crisis," said Shadow Housing Secretary Lisa Nandy.

Labour criticized Rishi Sunak's decision to abandon local housing construction targets in a bid to repel a revolt by his backbench MPs.

Ms Nandy added: 'We don't need more reviews or press releases, we need bold action to build Britain.

"That's why Labor has drawn up plans to reform the planning system to build the homes we need. We'll restore housing targets, reform buy-and-hold rules and make the tough decisions to support builders, not blockers."

Mr. Gove will also present proposals to allow homeowners to build extensions onto their homes without planning permission, "while ensuring the interests of neighbors are protected".

A review will be launched on so-called permitted development rights, which deprive locals and councils of the right to object to certain types of development in designated areas.

Rules were originally introduced to allow small changes to individual properties - but have been extended considerably.

Housing charity Shelter has previously criticized plans to expand permitted developments, warning they risk turning office buildings and shops into "human warehouses", with tiny rooms and windows.

A 2020 government-funded review of the quality of homes built under existing rule extensions reads: "We would conclude that permitted development conversions appear to create lower quality residential environments than planning permission conversions on a number of factors broadly related to the health, well-being and quality of life of future occupants."