Has the GLA noticed any impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on conversion of office space into housing in the Central Activities Zone (CAZ)?

Conversion of office space to housing takes place either by an express grant of planning permission, or through permitted development (PD).

In respect of PD, at present all of the boroughs in the CAZ have removed, or are in the process of removing, permitted development rights by issuing article 4 directions for their area, and so there have only been two applications seeking this change of use through PD inside the CAZ since 20 March 2020. Both of these were declined by the relevant boroughs (one refused and one classed as ineligible for the prior approval process).

In terms of planning applications in the CAZ that would result in the loss of office space to housing, our review suggests that there have been a relatively small number since March 2020 which could result in a loss of around 750 square metres of office space and create 7 homes – but no significant shifts.