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Government plans to allow local authorities to convert swathes of empty high street shops have been cautiously welcomed by LPC Living.

Accordingly to The Telegraph, a consultation paper by planning minister Nick Boles  will be issued later this week which will encourage local authorities to concentrate shopping facilities within a couple of high streets. All other areas could be converted to housing.

With an estimated 14% of the country’s shops currently vacant the proposals could drastically change the appearance of the British high street forever. While the proposals would provide much needed new homes the housebuilder urged ministers to look at each situation in context and not to view the proposal as a ‘one size fits all’ policy.

Simon Ashdown, development director of LPC Living said “These proposals would undoubtedly help address the acute housing shortage, bring new life to once busy shopping areas and support the construction industry.

“However, you would need to look at whether an area has the infrastructure to sustain new housing such as sufficient parking facilities and adequate outside and green space. Access to local amenities such as GP surgeries and community facilities would also need to be addressed.”

“Consideration would also need to be given as to whether this would be cost effective given the need for homes to meet current building regulations and energy performance requirements. While it would require more capital expenditure it may be preferable in some cases to completely demolish a high street and create a new-built sustainable housing development”.

The company, which is owned by the Pervaiz Naviede Family Trust, has previously developed a number of projects with retail and residential elements including Radclyffe Park in Salford.