Use classes order and permitted development rights Wales: A review

Project details

Full project title: Use classes order and permitted development rights Wales: A review

Duration: March 2015-October 2015

Funder: Welsh Government

Project Leader for SPE: Adam Sheppard

Other UWE Bristol researcher: Janet Askew

Research partners/collaborators:

• Jennifer Angus (GVA Consultancy)
• Hannah Hickman (Hannah Hickman Consultancy)
• Scott Britnell (External consultant)

Project summary

The aim of this research was to explore whether any changes to the Use Classes Order (UCO) and Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) in Wales were required and desirable to ensure it remained fit for purpose as a regulatory tool modelled upon the impact based approach and proportionality principle.

The work considered both the current approach to the UCO, as well as exploring the potential for change in association with the GPDO to allow for further movement and opportunities for change without the need for express approval. This included the potential use of geographically specific tools such as Local Development Orders. The project recommended some areas for change and/or further research, whilst advising against other options for change considered.

Key output

• The categorisation of uses and management of change: A planning review (PDF)