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

Helen Pineo; Ben Clifford; Max Eyre; Robert W. Aldridge

Wellbeing, Space and Society (Jan 2024)

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

Helen Pineo,
Ben Clifford,
Max Eyre,
Robert W. Aldridge

Affiliations

Helen Pineo: Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Gould Hall, Box 355740, 3590 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States; Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, University College London, Central House, 14 Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0NN, UK
Ben Clifford: Bartlett School of Planning, University College London, Central House, 14 Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0NN, UK; Corresponding author.
Max Eyre: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
Robert W. Aldridge: UCL Public Health Data Science Research Group, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London NW1 2DA, UK; Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, The Hans Rosling Center for Population Health, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 6
p. 100192

Abstract

Read online

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.

Published in Wellbeing, Space and Society

ISSN: 2666-5581 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Geography. Anthropology. Recreation: Human ecology. Anthropogeography; Social Sciences: Social sciences (General)
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/wellbeing-space-and-society/

About the journal

Abstract

Keywords