A lack of direction and constant shifts in planning policy at local and national government level is putting a block on outdated commercial buildings being converted into new homes, a prominent lettings agency claims. 

Adam Stackhouse, director of development and commercial investment at Winkworth, has told the agency’s podcast: “There’s such a lack of understanding between local planning policy and national policy. It’s time for the government to step in and take firm control and start to hit some of the targets they have bandied around. 

“Every time we think we’re making some progress, we get statements from central government, various boroughs elect to opt out and seek injunctions so they don’t have to toe the line. The government needs to say we need to fulfil this demand for private homes and we’re going to deliver it. And the only way to do that is to work collaboratively with local government. 

“The solution is out there in front of us with buildings that need to be repurposed. We are looking at large scale sites within urban locations that would be perfect for conversion to residential.” 

Charles Jordan, Winkworth’s head of new homes, tells the same podcast that there have been notable successes for high-profile conversions of former commercial properties.

He says: “The high demand for housing in London combined with the limited available land has led to an increasing trend of repurposing existing buildings for residential use. High profile examples include Battersea Power Station, BBC Television Centre and the Whiteley’s department store in Queensway, converted into The Whiteley, high-end residences and a Six Senses hotel.”