To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what progress he has made following the Portas Review on addressing the restrictive aspects of the use class system to make it easier to change the use of key properties on the high street.

New measures came into force on 30 May which allows a range of premises to convert temporarily to a number of other uses for a single continuous period of up to two years. This will help businesses respond quickly to market condition, create opportunities for new and start-up businesses and help retain the viability and vitality of our town centres.

We have also made it easier to convert redundant commercial space into residential use: this has the potential to increase the resident population in and near town centres, in turn increasing footfall and supporting regeneration. We have in addition, amended planning rules to support flats above shops.