Temporary permitted development rights, which were due to expire next May, will now be made permanent.

They will also be expanded to allow offices to be demolished, not just converted, and extended to light industrial and launderettes for new homes

Housing and Planning Minister Brandon Lewis today announced new measures that will make it easier to turn underused office buildings into new homes.

The move will provide thousands of new homes, and make the best use of existing buildings including some that are underused and neglected – while at the same time protecting the green belt.

Brandon Lewis said: “We’re determined that, both in Whitehall and in town halls, everything is done to get the homes we need built.

“Today’s measures will mean we can tap into the potential of underused buildings to offer new homes for first-time buyers and families long into the future, breathing new life into neighbourhoods and at the same time protecting our precious green belt.”

First introduced in 2013, temporary permitted development rights have enabled offices to be converted to new homes without having to apply for planning permission.

It has meant that between April 2014 and June this year, almost 4,000 conversions were given the go-ahead.

But these rights were set to expire on 30 May 2016 – potentially introducing a raft of unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy that would have hampered the conversion of underused office buildings and slowed down the delivery of thousands of new homes.

Today, The Government has announced that these permitted development rights will now be made permanent.

In addition those who already have permission will have three years in which to complete the change of use – ending potential uncertainty for developers and enabling the development of much needed homes.

Those areas that are currently exempt from the office to residential permitted development rights will have until May 2019 to make an Article 4 direction if they wish to continue determining planning applications for the change of use.