London leads councils seeking change-of-use opt out

London Mayor Boris Johnson has confirmed that he is seeking an exemption for much of central London from the government’s proposed new permitted development rights which would allow offices to be converted into homes without planning permission.

Planning authorities had until 22 February to apply to opt out of the new regime. Ministers have stressed this will only be allowed in "exceptional circumstances".

The Mayor is seeking exemptions for three defined areas in central London. The first is the Central Activities Zone, which includes the City of London, the South Bank and the West End. More than a third of London's jobs are within this area.

Johnson is also seeking exemptions for the commercial area north of the Isle of Dogs and London's enterprise zones in the Royal Docks, plus the part of the City Fringe in east London which makes up the emerging "Tech City" opportunity area.

Most other London borough councils have requested exemptions as has Manchester City Council for part of its city centre.

A spokesperson for DCLG said: "As with any informal or formal consultation, we are now considering the responses we have received. We will carefully analysis the arguments put forward and we will make a statement in due course."