Office block conversion to flats proposed in Sidcup

Plans have been submitted to convert an office block to flats at an industrial site in Sidcup.

I say plans, though under permitted development rights developers do not actually need to apply for planning permission now for conversion to housing so it can be a formality. Permitted rights ensure applicants can avoid providing “affordable” housing, abiding to minimum size standards and making payments to a local authority to mitigate impact in the local area.

If Google Streetview is a guide this area already has issues with parking.

Converting office blocks has seen criticism as being somewhat of a dumping ground. Many people do not want to buy such flats given unappealing locations and remoteness from amenities. Landlords purchase flats and local authorities then house people in blocks due to legal obligation to find accommodation and lack of social homes. This costs taxpayers large sums of money.

Another issue has come to the fore recently. Social distancing is not easy in small flats not designed for residential usage, and a lack of nearby shops and parks impact upon life in lockdown.

This site actually exceeds minimum size standards and is near a park and bus routes so isn’t among the worst. Residential here could also possibly open the door to housing on a large site just to the south.

Click here to view plans.