In connection with the above, we are starting to get enquiries on what we consider to be the meaning of ‘begun after 30th May 2016’.
The contextt is the GDPO O.1 (c) which says that the development is not permitted development if 'the use of the building falling within Class C3 ...was begun after 30th May 2016.
But nowhere can I find the definition of what begun means, and looking into this I have come across several inerpretations, i.e. that the use of
the building for C3 purposes has begun if:-
1. All the units proposed are complete and occupied, OR
2. One unit has to be complete and occupied, OR
3. the development has started.
This is becoing important as we get closer to the May 2016, and I am told that this is currently affecting funding decisions on development.
One scenario that has been put to us is that an applicant could submit a CLOPUD to establish that if they carry out X works and occupy X units, a further planning permission is not required. They say this may give the client and any funders some comfort and reduce risk.
Has anyone looked into this and got an anwswer the can share.
