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The Royal Institute of British Architects (����������) has responded to the Government’s new planning laws to turn unused commercial buildings into homes and fast-track the expansion of public buildings – .

���������� President, Alan Jones, said:

“I’m seriously worried about the Government’s ongoing obsession with extending Permitted Development Rights.

These new freedoms are dangerously relaxed, and lack critical safeguards to prevent further damage to suffering high streets by turning essential community amenities into, all too often, substandard homes.

We urgently need well-designed, mixed use developments that provide long term value for their communities and residents, delivered by sufficiently resourced local authorities – not a race to the bottom.

I call for urgent reconsideration of this legislation that fundamentally contradicts the Government’s wider aim of revitalising town centres and developing better homes. This is not the answer.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Press contact: Abigail.Chiswell-White@riba.org or +44 (0) 20 7307 3811.
2. The Royal Institute of British Architects (����������) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow for regular updates.