Converting takeaways could help tackle housing crisis

FAST-FOOD restaurants could be converted into housing without permission under a relaxation of planning laws.

Ministers say they want to cut the red tape that makes it difficult to convert such premises into accommodation.

It is hoped the move would help tackle the housing crisis, breathe new life into high streets and curb the anti-social behaviour which is often linked to takeaways. Britain has about 56,600 takeaways, with more than 4,000 opening since 2014.

Bookmakers, payday loan shops and launderettes could also be included in the reforms.

High streets minister Jake Berry said the change would form part of a larger plan to regenerate the country’s struggling town centres. He explained: “These reforms to turn home delivery [takeaways] into homes are part of our initiative to make the high street flexible to change without councils causing undue delay on the process.”

The changes would bring planning guidelines for takeaways into line with offices and warehouses.

A government consultation on high street planning reform closes today. The think tank Policy Exchange will back the plans in a formal submission to ministers.

Policy director Will Heaven said: “Takeaway owners should be given the freedom to convert their premises into homes if they so choose.

“Right now, government gets in the way of something that often makes economic sense and would actually be welcomed by many local residents.”