UK: More shops could be converted into homes and extensions made easier in review of building rules

Takeaways and betting shops could be converted into homes more easily as the government launches a review of extensions, conversions and renovations.

In proposals to be formally announced on Monday, new freedoms to enlarge existing homes will also be outlined.

The idea is to make it easier to “build upwards and outwards, with new extensions and loft conversions”, the levelling up department said.

There will be “new flexibilities to convert shops, takeaways and betting shops into homes”, while the rules on extensions to commercial buildings and warehouses will be “eased” to “make better use of brownfield”.

It is suggested that red tape be cut to “enable barn conversions and repurpose agricultural buildings as opposed to building on the countryside”.