Health and wellbeing impacts of housing converted from non-residential buildings: A mixed-methods exploratory study in London, UK

• Published in: Wellbeing, space and society space and society, 2024, Vol.6, p.100192, Article 100192
• Main Authors: Pineo, Helen, Clifford, Ben, Eyre, Max, Aldridge, Robert W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptive reuse; England; Health; Housing; Non-residential conversions; Socio-ecological; Urban planning; Wellbeing
• ISSN: 2666-5581; 2666-5581
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wss.2024.100192

•A survey and interviews were used to study the health impacts of converting non-residential buildings to housing in four London boroughs.•Among survey participants, lower wellbeing scores were associated with lack of residential space, no accommodation cooling options, reduced local amenities and low perceived safety.•14 % of the survey cohort reported not having a single window that they could open.•A deregulated approach to building conversion has led to housing quality problems that are likely to affect residents’ health and wellbeing. Housing quality is a determinant of health, wellbeing and inequities. Since 2013, changes to Permitted Development Rights (PDR) allow conversions of non-residential buildings into housing without planning permission in England. We explored the potential health and wellbeing impacts of such ‘PDR housing’ through an online survey and semi-structured interviews in four London boroughs. We found an association between low wellbeing and lack of residential space and accommodation cooling options, fewer local amenities and lower perceived safety. Participants highlighted problems with windows and outdoor space. Poor quality PDR conversions may pose health and wellbeing risks that could be avoided through regulation and enforcement.