Housing: Office Conversions

Baroness Whitaker Excerpts

Wednesday 2nd December 2015 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, as far as I am aware, it is not counted in the empty dwelling figures because at that point in time it is not dwellings.

[Baroness Whitaker (Lab)]

My Lords, has the Minister made any assessment of the number of workplaces that have been destroyed when local authorities impose housing plans that do not take real account of the needs of the local economy?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

The noble Lord, Lord Goddard, pointed out the figures in his supplementary question. That is why Article 4 directions are very useful in stopping some of that exodus of much-needed office space where it is not appropriate.