Flats could take over Warwick district town centres under new laws

Among the changes - which came into effect last week - are a relaxation over the requirement to apply for planning permission to convert offices in town centres into housing.

Warwick District councillor Cllr John Hammon (Con, Cubbington), responsible for policy on development, said in reaction to the changes: “The council did apply to get an exemption from the rules that will allow offices to be converted into housing, but we were not successful.

“We would like people to work in the centre of Leamington and our other towns, but perhaps it is also good if people live in the town centre.”

He added: “There is great potential for Leamington. If we get things going on the right foot, it could become one of the best places in the country to shop and live in.”

Nationally, the Local Government Association has warned that high streets could become overrun by betting shops and pay-day lenders under the new laws, as owners of certain premises no longer require planning permission to change their use.

The Government says the move will boost economic growth and bring boarded-up shops back into use.

A two-year freeze is also being introduced on the need for planning consent for a temporary change of use for a range of high street premises, including hairdressers, banks, bars, cafes, post offices, takeaways, libraries and cinemas.

Another aspect of the new rules mean that homeowners can build larger extensions - but they must notify councils and consult their neighbours.

Listed buildings are excluded from the new rules.

Cllr Hammon said: “Some of the changes are going to create a lot of extra work for the planning department and the council may lose out financially.

“I don’t think our planning officers will quite know what will happen. It’s a question of wait-and-see.

“We are looking at it positively. We have to make it work for the benefit of our towns.”