Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will make an assessment of the impact on existing leaseholders in apartment blocks of the (a) level of disturbance to residents, (b) accountability of ad hoc companies set up to carry out construction works and (c) potential for high remedial costs for unsatisfactory work commissioned by freeholders in respect of the 2020 decision to permit the addition of up to two extra storeys to apartment buildings.

All development, whether allowed through a permitted development right or an application for planning permission, must meet building regulations including fire and other building safety requirements.

The permitted development right for building upwards on detached blocks of flats requires the developer to provide a report on how the impacts of the construction on the occupiers of the existing block of flats and adjoining buildings will be mitigated. This is subject to additional prior approval considerations by the local authority. These include consideration of the impact on the amenity of the existing block of flats, including on leasehold flats within the block, as well as on neighbouring premises. The local planning authority must notify all owners and occupiers of the existing block of flats, including leaseholders, as well as adjoining owners or occupiers of the proposed development.