§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the potential number of residential units which could be formed in empty or under-used space above shops; and what his target is for the number of such units to be formed in the next five years. [116906]
§ Mr. RaynsfordWe estimate that the potential number of residential units that could be formed in empty or under-used space above shops to be 300,000 in England. This estimate does not take account of any space which may not be suitable for conversion. Nor does it take account of the significant financial, managerial and attitudinal obstacles which will need to be overcome if a high proportion of these spaces are to be brought into use.
Given the constraints that may exist, we have not set a target for conversion of vacant space above shops. However, my Department recently published a report
324W"Conversion and Redevelopment: Process and Potential" which looked at the potential for residential conversions in detail. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library.