EMPTY office blocks could soon be converted into flats without permission under new planning laws – which have brought a mixed reaction in the borough.
Under current laws, any developer or landowner must get permission from the local planning authority for a change of use before converting an office block into accommodation.
But with the recession leaving some office blocks with permanent "To Let" signs outside and an emerging housing crisis, the Government is hoping that removing regulation and allowing developers to bypass the planning process – which can be drawn-out and costly – will encourage them to build more homes.
News of the policy – which will come into force within weeks – has divided opinion among the housing and business sectors in the borough, with some saying the plan could help with the housing crisis, but others fearing it could detract from business opportunities.
"The news of a new policy to turn unused offices into housing developments is obviously extremely concerning to the local business community," said Ella Parkes, from Surrey Chambers of Commerce. "Such a move could prevent future businesses moving into an area. However, we believe that this new policy should not be seen too negatively."
Jonathan Higgs, chief executive of Raven Housing Trust, the borough's biggest provider of social housing, said the plan could benefit the Reigate and Banstead borough but said it should be celebrated with caution.
"While anything that releases land or disused buildings for much-needed homes could be a good thing, sustainable homes and communities are built where there are jobs and local facilities for people," he said. "There always has to be a balance between developing businesses and homes."
While the policy would open up opportunities for development, it remains unclear how many developers will take up the option to create flats from their empty office blocks.
Chris Lawson, a partner at Lawson Commercial estate agency which has handled property in Redhill and Reigate, said each case would have to be judged on its own merits.
However, he said empty rates costs could force some office developers to consider converting their premises into flats.
He said: "It depends where you are and what you're looking at. If you're looking at some of the space above shops on the high street, the demand for that [as office space] is now very poor.
"So from that point it's a good idea. When you've got purpose-built blocks, it depends where you are and what the market demands are."
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council spokeswoman Claire Lapping said the authority was "still considering its position".
But councillor Julian Ellacott, cabinet member for housing and welfare, added: "I think the ability to convert more flexibly is a good thing, as long as there are safeguards to ensure that the resulting flats are of a good standard."
The new law will come into force in spring and will run for a three-year period. It will then be reviewed.
