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Business Premises: Change of Use

Asked by Patrick HurleyLabourMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 20 July 2026UIN 12836

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of development corporations on accelerating the conversion of vacant upper floors in town centres into residential accommodation.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

My Department has made no specific assessment on the potential impact of Development Corporations in accelerating the conversion of vacant upper floors in town centres into residential accommodation.

The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 included measures to create a clearer, more flexible, and robust framework for development corporations.

The government intends to bring forward further legislation in due course to provide for locally led urban Development Corporations, enabling more coastal communities to establish them, where appropriate.

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